Paladin Club

Thomas Alesio ‘82Men’s Soccer and Baseball (1978-82)
Inducted 1993

Thomas Alesio was an outstanding member of Furman’s soccer and baseball teams. As halfback, he lettered all four seasons. Alesio earned first team All-Southern Conference honors (1978, ‘79, ‘80) and All-South Carolina honors (1978, ’79, ’80). Alesio was a baseball letterman for two years (1978-80), earned All-Southern Conference Catcher (1979), and led the team in hitting with .330 average (1979).

J. Lyles Alley was a four-sport star athlete and outstanding football running back at Furman. In 1931, Alley had a 73-yard touchdown run in a 34-6 win over Richmond. A year later he starred on Furman’s state championship squad that went 8-1 and shut out its last seven opponents, including South Carolina (14-0) and Clemson (7-0). He was named to second team all-state as a senior. He later became an assistant football coach and men’s basketball and baseball coach at Furman. In 1956, he assumed the role of athletics director, a position he held until his retirement in 1975. During his 20 years as head of the basketball program, his players included All-American performers Frank Selvy, Nield Gordon, and the late Darrell Floyd. Alley was inducted into South Carolina’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1967. Alley retired from Furman in 1975 after a 34-year career. Furman later established the J. Lyles Alley scholarship in 1984.

Daniel Alvarez ‘00
Men’s Soccer (1996-99)
Inducted 2005

Daniel Alvarez was a three-time All-Southern Conference and All-South Region selection. He was selected as the 1999 SoCon Player of the Year. He was also picked for the 1999 NSCAA All-America (1st team) and the College Soccer Online All-America (3rd team). Alvarez was the recipient of 2000 Furman Student-Athlete Achievement Award. He keyed Furman to three SoCon regular season championships (1996, ’98, ’99), three SoCon tournament titles (1996, ’97, ’99), and overall record of 67-16-4 and 26-3 SoCon regular season record during his four-year career. He helped lead Furman to its greatest soccer season in program history in 1999, going 21-2-1 and advancing to the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament before losing to Connecticut 3-2. As a team, they defeated North Carolina 2-1 (OT) in a first-round game and Wake Forest 4-0 in the NCAA second round. The 1999 squad finished the season ranked No. 5 and No. 3, respectively, in NSCAA and Soccer America final polls—the highest rankings ever for Furman soccer. Alvarez set the Furman season assist (16) and career assist records (41). He became the first Major League Soccer (MLS) draft selection in school history when he was picked in the fourth round by the New Jersey Metro Stars.

Charles L. “Charlie” Anderson ‘82
Football (1978-81)Inducted 1992

Charlie Anderson was selected for the Who’s Who Among American College Students (1982) and was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa (1982). He earned the Most Valuable Freshman Award in 1978 and the Captain’s Award in 1981. In football, Anderson was a two-time recipient of the Southern Conference Jacobs Blocking Trophy (1980, ’81), as well as a two-time All-Southern Conference pick (1980, ’81). He earned the Best Offensive Lineman Award in 1980 and All-State honors in 1981. He also earned Academic All-Southern Conference three consecutive years (1979 , ’80, ’81). Anderson also received NCAA Division I All-American Honorable Mentions in 1980 and ’81. He was a participant in the Blue Gray Classic (1981) and also a NCAA Post Graduate Fellowship Winner (Law, 1982).

Monica Arguello '11Women's Tennis (2008-2011)
Inducted 2017

Monica Arguello was a four-year letterwinner for the Furman women’s tennis team. As the 2008 SoCon Freshman of the Year, she helped the Paladins to the 2008 SoCon regular season, tournament championship, and NCAA tournament appearance. She was also a member of Furman’s 2009 SoCon regular season championship team. As a senior, Arguello posted a 19-4 record at No. 1 singles, including a perfect 10-0 mark in league play, and finished her senior season with a 12-match winning streak prior to the NCAA tournament. She was ranked 67th nationally by the ITA—the highest ranking for any Southern Conference player that year. Arguello concluded her senior year with a 19-5 singles record and a 74th-place national ranking and competed as an individual at the 2011 NCAA Championships. Also in 2011, she was named SoCon Female Athlete of the Year, SoCon Women’s Tennis Player of the Year, Team MVP, and Edna Hartness Furman Female Athlete of the Year. In addition to her many athletic achievements, Arguello was also named to the 2011 Capital One Academic All-District team and chosen for the SoCon Academic All-Conference Team, the ITA All-Academic Team, and the SoCon Academic Honor Roll. She completed her four-year career with a 38-1 record in conference matches and was a four-time All-SoCon selection for both singles and doubles. In the Furman record books, she ranks ninth in season singles winning percentage (.870, 2008), eighth in career singles victories (68), ninth doubles wins (58), eighth in combined career victories (126), and seventh in singles career winning percentage (.747).

Julius W. “Pinky” Babb, Jr. ‘39Football (1935-38)
Inducted 1981

Pinky Babb was named to the All-State football team in 1936 as a member of the last Furman squad to post a win over Clemson. He is now known as one of the nation's most storied high school football coaches. He coached for 39 seasons (1943-81) at Greenwood High School, earning 336 victories and nine state titles. He also led the baseball team to the 1966 state championship. He was also a successful American Legion baseball coach for Post 20. Babb was inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame and also into the National High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1996, the first year for inductees. Babb was also named National Football Coach of the Year in 1975 by the National High School Coaches Association, an organization he helped charter and of which he later served as president. A four-time South Carolina AAAA Coach of the Year selection, he compiled a 346-81-23 career coaching record and directed Greenwood to nine state championships. At the time of his death in 1983, his victory total was the second highest in America. While at Furman, he earned three letters as an offensive tackle and was an all-state selection in 1936 on a state championship Furman squad that posted a 7-2 record and wins over South Carolina and Clemson.

Nicole Palazzo Ballard '09Volleyball (2006-2008)Inducted 2014

Nicole Ballard was a middle blocker and three-year letterwinner and starter after transferring to Furman from Mississippi State. She was named Southern Conference Player of the Year and AVCA All-South Region Honorable Mention in 2006. In addition, she is two-time first team All-Southern Conference selection ('06-'07), six-time Southern Conference Player of the Week, and two-time SoCon Player of the Month honoree. She was a 2008 SoCon All-Tournament selection after leading Furman to its second SoCon Tournament Championship in school history (first since 1990) and first ever NCAA Tournament appearance. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, she was a three-time SoCon Academic Honor Roll honoree. Statistically, Ballard totaled 970 kills, a .346 hitting percentage, 95 solo blocks, 366 block assists, and 461 total blocks in her Furman career. She holds the Furman record for career blocks (461), single-season block assists (141 in 2007), and total blocks (169 in 2007), and she ranks first in Furman history in career hitting percentage (.346) and second in single season hitting percentage (.379). Additionally, Ballard holds the Furman single-game record for block assists (13 vs. College of Charleston on 11/10/07) and total blocks (17 vs College of Charleston on 10/28/06).

Roland Barefoot was a four-year letterman and served as team captain in 1954. He received an All-State Honorable Mention in 1951 and was selected for third team All-State in 1952. He earned second team All-State and All-Southern Conference honors in 1953. He also earned an All-Southern Conference Honorable Mention and All-State Honorable Mention in 1954. He was a member of the 1952 team which went 6-3-1 for Furman’s first winning season since 1940. Barefoot also played basketball and baseball at Furman

Phillip Barker ‘78Track & Field (1974-78)
Inducted 1987

Philip Barker was an outstanding track athlete with a top-15 world ranking in the 1,000 yard run and a top-10 national ranking in the 800 meter in 1976. He was a repeat qualifier for the NCAA championship for both indoor and outdoor track. Barker was also a key member of the 1976 cross country championship team. He was an All-Conference performer in cross country and indoor and outdoor track and earned Southern Conference track Athlete of the Year. He accomplished all of this while having better than a 3.0 grade point average.

Donald J. Barton ’82Men’s Tennis (1979-82)
Inducted 1993

Donald Barton was the first tennis player in Furman history to earn NCAA All-American Honors in1981. He was a two-time Southern Conference Champion at the No. 1 position. Barton reached the Round of 16 at the NCAA Championship in 1981 and has 112 singles victories to his name.

Melvin Bell ‘50Men’s Basketball (1945-49)
Inducted 2007

Melvin Bell was a four-year letterman in men’s basketball who also served as team captain. He led Furman in scoring during his final three seasons and earned second team All-State honors as a junior and first team All-State as a senior. He was a member of Furman teams that posted victories over Clemson, South Carolina, Wake Forest, Georgia, and Georgia Tech. He later assumed head coaching duties for one year following his senior season after then-head coach Lyles Alley left to pursue a master’s degree. Bell directed Furman to a 9-12 record that included a pair of victories over Clemson. He also served as assistant coach and recruiter under Alley for seven seasons. He was instrumental in recruiting many fine players, including All-State performer Byron Pinson and Paladin All-American Frank Selvy.

Gordon W. Blackwell ‘32Men’s Tennis
Inducted 1981

Gordon Blackwell was an outstanding campus leader. He was captain of the men’s tennis team, editor of the literary magazine, president of the band and of his social fraternity, a member of the Quaternion Club, and ranked top in his class. After graduation, he served as professor and chairman of the sociology department from 1937 to 1941. He also taught at Chapel Hill, where he was named the Kenan Professor of Sociology, the most prestigious academic rank at the university. Blackwell was also director of the Institute for Research in Social Science at UNC for 13 years. In the late 1950s, he became chancellor of the Woman's College of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Four years later he was named president of the Florida State University. In 1965 he became Furman University's eighth president, at which time Furman became the first private college in the state to admit African Americans.

Jeffrey G. Blankenship ‘90Football (1986-89)
Inducted 1996

Jeff Blankenship was an outstanding linebacker at Furman. He earned a number of awards and honors in 1988, including the 1988 NCAA I-AA National Defensive Player of the Year award, selection for the 1988 consensus 1st Team All-American (Kodak, Associated Press, Football Gazette, Walter Camp, Sports Network), 1988 Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year award, and the 1988 South Carolina Defensive Player of the Year award. He was selected for the 1987-88 All-Southern Conference first team. He earned the 1988-89 Southern Conference Athlete of the Year award, as well as the 1988-89 Furman Athlete of the Year award. In 1986 he earned the Furman Iron Horse Award. Blankenship also received the 1985 Furman Most Valuable Freshman award and the 1988 Most Valuable Player award. He served as captain of Furman’s 1988 Southern Conference and NCAA I-AA national championship team, which posted a school best 13-2 record. Blankenship tallied a school single-season record of 235 tackles in 1988 and finished his career as Furman’s and the Southern Conference’s all-time leading tackler with 580 stops. He headlined Furman’s defense in 1988 which led the nation, yielding on average 9.7 points per game. Blankenship is one of only two players in Furman football history to have his jersey number (No. 50) retired.

Caroline Peek Blaylock ‘95Women’s Golf (1992-95)
Inducted 2000

Caroline Blaylock was a three-time winner of the National Golf Coaches Association Long Drive Championship and a three-time All-American selection. She was named Southern Conference Female Athlete of the Year in 1994 and Southern Conference Player of the Year in 1995, in addition to being a two-time All-Southern Conference Selection (SoCon championship began in 1994). She placed third at the 1994 NCAA Championship and sixth in 1995. She also tied an NCAA record with a career-low 65 in the second round of the 1995 NCAA Championships. Blaylock posted a 76.1 career stroke average. She ended her career with 21 top-10 finishes and three tournament victories.

John Block ‘63Honorary Inductee
Inducted 2012

John Block served as the faculty athletics representative from 1990-96, as well as the vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics from 1996-2000. He came to Furman in 1959 and was a member of Furman’s basketball program for two seasons. Block graduated magna cum laude in 1963 and later earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in history from the University of Wisconsin before returning to join the Furman faculty in 1968. He served on Furman’s Faculty Athletics Committee for many years, where he witnessed firsthand Furman’s prolific basketball success in the 1970s, serving as a radio commentator. He was awarded Furman’s Meritorious Teaching Award in 1984. He was succeeded by the late Francis Bonner as Furman’s NCAA Faculty Representative in 1990. Block served as Furman’s William Montgomery Burnett Professor of History and department chair. He stepped in to serve as interim athletics director in late 1995 and was soon thereafter tabbed vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics, a position he held for five-plus years before retiring in 2001. Block helped oversee the construction of Timmons Arena and Pepsi Softball Stadium, as well as the revitalization of Irwin Belk Complex for Track & Field. Furman teams during his tenure as interim AD and VP for Intercollegiate Athletics combined to win 33 Southern Conference regular season and tournament championships.

Scott C. Blount ‘02Soccer (1997-01)
Inducted 2014

A goalkeeper for the Paladins, Blount started 73 games during his career. He is a three-time All-Southern Conference selection and was selected to the 1999 NSCAA All-South Region first team, 2001 College Soccer News and College Soccer Online Honorable Mention All-America, and 2000 & '01 CoSIDA Academic All-America second team. He was a three-time NSCAA Scholar-Athlete All-South and All-America and five-time SoCon Academic Honor Roll selection. A member of four SoCon regular season and SoCon Tournament championship squads, Blount posted a 58-12-3 overall record in goal and perfect 24-0 mark versus the SoCon. He helped Furman to three straight league regular season titles, four tournament titles, and four NCAA Tournament appearances. He also keyed Furman to a 21-2-1 record, NCAA Elite Eight appearance, and No. 3 final ranking by Soccer America as a sophomore. Blount led Furman to wins over Clemson, North Carolina, and Wake Forest during his collegiate career and selected in second round of the 2002 A-League draft by the Atlanta Silverbacks.

Dr. Francis W. BonnerHonorary Inductee
Inducted 1994

Dr. Bonner chaired the University’s committee on athletics and was instrumental in obtaining post-graduate fellowships for many athletes. He was a professor of English and is Vice President and Provost, Emeritus. He was a member of the Executive Committee of the Southern Conference and served as President of Southern Conference from 1973-1979. He revised the conference handbook and composed the code of conduct which is used by all members. He was elected Vice President of the NCAA and to the NCAA Council from 1981-84 and was on the NCAA Executive Committee from 1984-90. He also chaired the committee to Formulate “Proposition 48.” Dr. Bonner has had many articles and books published, including Evaluation of Intercollegiate Athletic Programs. He wrote and edited the NCAA’s Faculty Representative Handbook and served on the committee to select the Executive Director of the NCAA. He organized the Faculty Representatives Forum of the NCAA and also served as chair of the Forum. The Barrett-Bonner Award, established by the Southern Conference, was named in his honor.

Will Bouton ‘02Football (1998-2001)
Inducted 2007

Will Bouton was an outstanding linebacker at Furman. He started every game (50) of his Furman career and was a three-time All-Southern Conference pick (consensus). He was selected as the 2000 & ’01 SoCon Defensive Player of the Year (Sports Media Association) and as the 2000 SoCon Defensive Player of the Year (Coaches). He earned 2001 Sports Network and Walter Camp All-America first team honors, as well as 2000 Associated Press All-America first team honors. In 1998 ,he was named Furman Freshman of the Year. He was a three-time Furman Best Linebacker Award recipient (1999-01) and was selected as the 2001-02 Furman Male Athlete of the Year. He led Furman tackles in 2000 (126) and 2001 (94). He played a key role in helping Furman to a 35-15 record, two SoCon championships (1999 & ’01), and three NCAA I-AA playoff appearances, including the 2001 national runner-up finish (12-3). Bouton notched a Paladin playoff record four sacks in a 34-17 quarterfinal round over Lehigh in 2001. He headlined a Furman effort that helped the Paladins to a 24-17 road win over Georgia Southern in 2001 playoff semifinals, where their victory snapped GSU’s 39-game home winning streak and marked the first home playoff game loss in GSU history (28 games). Bouton notched a career high 19 tackles in a 27-18 victory over Wofford in 2000. He registered 13 tackles and four tackles-for-loss in a 28-3 win over North Carolina in 1999. He was a six-time SoCon Player of the Week honoree. He served as the 2001 team captain and was a two-time SoCon Academic Honor Roll recipient.

A. M. “Wop” Bradley ‘23Football and Baseball (1919-23)
Inducted 1983

Wop Bradley was an outstanding student and star athlete. He was a four-year letterman in football and baseball. He earned All-State honors in football and was captain of baseball team. Off the field, Bradley was also President of Student Body.

C. Henry Branyon ‘22Inducted 1991

W.L. “Brick” Brasington ‘24Baseball (1921-24)
Inducted 1985

Brick Brasington played in every baseball game at Furman from 1921 through 1924. He was awarded the Silver Bat as the Most Valuable Player in 1923. He was also the football manager and served as president of the senior class in 1924.

Brian Bratton ‘05Football/Track & Field (2001-2004)
Inducted 2011

Brian Bratton was a wide receiver and return specialist for Furman football from 2001 to 2004. He was a two-time second team All-Southern Conference selection as a WR (2003 & ‘04) and first team All-SoCon pick as a return specialist (2001). He earned SoCon Freshman of the Year in 2001. Bratton was an FCS second team All-America honoree (Sports Network, Associated Press, Football Gazette) as a return specialist in 2001 after averaging a nation-leading (and Furman record) 37.2 yards on kickoff returns, three of which went for touchdowns (also a school standard). He registered 100-yard returns versus both Appalachian State (28-22 win) and Wofford (45-14 win) in 2001. Bratton caught 131 passes for 1,826 yards and 18 touchdowns in his career. He ranks third in Furman history in receptions, sixth in receiving yards, and tied for second in touchdown receptions. Bratton played alongside Isaac West (140 rec., 2,338 yds., 16 TDs), forming the most prolific pass receiving duo in school history. He was a member of two SoCon championship teams (2001 & ’04) and three FCS (I-AA) playoff squads (2001, ’02 & ’04). He served as co-captain in 2004. The 2001 team went 12-3 and finished as NCAA FCS national runner-up, halting Georgia Southern’s NCAA record 39-game home winning streak and 27-game home playoff game undefeated run with a 24-17 triumph in playoff semifinals. Bratton helped Furman post a 36-15 overall record (.705) and 23-8 SoCon mark (.742) during his four-year career. He also participated with Furman’s track team his junior and senior seasons. He signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons in 2005 and later with the Baltimore Ravens. He was later allocated by the Ravens to the Cologne Centurions (NFL Europe), where he caught 23 passes for 280 yards and two TDs in 2006. He signed on briefly with the AFL Nashville Kats before moving on to the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes in 2007, where over the last four years he has caught 193 passes for 2,165 yards, and 16 touchdowns while helping Montreal to Grey Cup championships in both 2009 and 2010. View acceptance speech.

Jim Brice ‘27Football (1923-27)
Inducted 1985

Jim Brice earned three letters in football. He was an instrumental player in last three games of the 1926 season when the team won the state championship.

Scott Broderick ‘88Men’s Soccer (1984-87)
Inducted 2000

Scott Broderick is a three-time All-Southern Conference selection who has shared Furman’s single game goals record (4) with four others. In 1988 he received a GTE Academic All-America second team selection. He was a member of three Southern Conference championship teams (1984, ’86, ’87). Broderick helped Furman compile a 47-19-4 record during his four-year career. As the program’s leading scorer, he played a significant role in Furman’s transition to regional soccer power. As a junior, Broderick helped the Paladins post first-ever wins over Clemson (3-1) and South Carolina (3-0) in the same season.

Luther R. Broughton ‘97Football (1993-96)
Inducted 2004

Luther Broughton played tight end at Furman and was a four-year letter winner, as well as a three-year starter. He was selected to the second team Sports Network All-America in 1996. He was a three-time All-Southern Conference selection, including two-time first-team picks in 1995 and 1996. He ranked as Furman’s all-time receptions leader (123) and fourth in receiving yards (1,565 yards) until being surpassed by Bear Rinehart in 2002. He served as co-captain of 1996 team that went 9-4 and advanced to NCAA I-AA playoff quarterfinals. Broughton caught 40 passes for 489 yards and three touchdowns that season. He was the recipient of Furman’s Best Receiver Award as a senior and became the first Furman football NFL draftee since 1986 when he was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round of the 1997 Draft. He played five seasons as a professional, including two stints with both Philadelphia (1997, 1999-00) and the Carolina Panthers (1998 & ’01). He signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Bears in 2002. In two-year span with Philadelphia in 1999-00, Broughton caught 38 passes for 399 yards and four touchdowns.

Rushia Brown ‘94Women’s Basketball (1989-94)
Inducted 1999

Rushia Brown played at the forward/center position for the Furman women’s basketball team. She went on to play in the WNBA and is the most decorated woman in Furman basketball history. She holds Furman’s career points record (2,169) and at the time of induction ranked first in career scoring average (19.0 ppg). Brown also held Furman’s career records for field goals made (908), blocks (193), and steals (341). She was selected as the Southern Conference Freshman of the Year in 1990. She was a four-time All-Southern Conference first team selection and four-time Southern Conference All-Tournament honoree. Brown received the Southern Conference Player of the Year award in 1992 and was a two-time Furman University Edna Hartness Female Athlete of the Year recipient (1990 & ’92). She earned Southern Conference Tournament MVP honors in 1994. Brown was named the Furman MVP four times (1990, ’92, ’93, and ’94) and led Furman to three Southern Conference titles during her tenure (1990, ’92, & ’93).

Kaye Brownlee ‘02Women’s Soccer (1998-2001)
Inducted 2008

Kaye Brownlee was an outstanding midfielder for Furman. She is the most decorated player in Furman women’s soccer history as Furman’s only first team All-American in the sport. Brownlee scored 13 goals and added 17 assists to garner first team NSCAA All-America honors in 1999 and Soccer Buzz All-America second team accolades. She was named 1999 SoCon Female Athlete of the Year, 1999-2000 Edna Hartness Furman Female Athlete of the Year and 1999 SoCon Tournament MVP. She is one of only two players in league history to be named first team All-SoCon four times. Brownlee keyed Furman to 66-21-1 overall record, including 33-3-0 SoCon regular season mark in four seasons. She led the Paladins to three regular season titles (1999, 2000, 2001), one SoCon Tournament title (1999), and two NCAA Tournament appearances (1999 and 2000). She helped Furman post back-to-back 20-3-0 overall records and 9-0-0 SoCon marks in 1999 and 2000, while securing the school’s only NCAA Tournament at-large bid in 2000. Brownlee played in and started 87 matches during her career. She ranks fourth in league history with 119 total points and seventh in Furman history with 31 goals. She was a member of a 2000 squad that notched Furman’s highest ever national ranking (13th) in American Soccer Writer’s Poll. She was a NSCAA All-Southeast pick in 1998 (3rd team) and in 1999 (1st team). She was selected for the Soccer Buzz All-Southeast Region in 1998 (2nd), 1999 (1st), 2000 (2nd), and 2001 (3rd). Brownlee was also selected for the 1998 Soccer Buzz All-Southeast Freshman Team. She was named to the NSCAA Scholar Athlete All-America first team in 2000 and second team in 2001. In 2001 she was a Verizon Academic All-America second team pick, and in 2002 she was a NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient. Brownlee was the 2001-02 Student-Athlete Achievement Award winner and was also a four-time SoCon Academic Honor Roll member.

Andrew Burr ‘91Football and Soccer (1987-90)
Inducted 1997

Andrew Burr was an outstanding soccer player and football placekicker and was a four-year starter. Burr earned 1988, ’89, & ’90 All-Southern Conference first-team honors in soccer and was named to the NSCAA All-South third-team in 1988. He was selected for the 1989-90 NSCAA All-South first team and received the 1989 Southern Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player award. He earned the 1990 Southern Conference Player of the Year award as well. Burr was a member of three Southern Conference regular season championship teams (1987, ’88, & ’90) and two league tournament championship squads (1988 & ’89). He led the Southern Conference in scoring in 1989 and ’90 and served as a team captain his senior year. Burr held the school single season records for goals (20) and points (45), as well as career records in both categories (50 goals, 119 points). He tallied a Furman record five hat tricks during his tenure as a Paladin. He also played one season of football following his soccer career, during which he led Furman and Southern Conference in scoring in 1991, converting 14-of-16 field goal attempts and 45-of-46 PATs for 87 points. Burr’s football scoring title gave him the distinction of becoming the first athlete in Southern Conference history to lead the league in scoring in two different sports in consecutive years. He was a 1991 consensus All-Southern Conference selection. He received a B.A. in health and physical education and is currently the head coach of the Furman women’s soccer team.

H.C. Burnett ‘24Football (1921-24)
Inducted 1993

H.C. Burnett was an outstanding member of the Furman football team. He was named first team All-State for the 1923-24 season, as well as first team All-Southern for the 1923-24 season. He served as captain of the 1924 team. He was Class Valedictorian in 1924, as well as Student Body President for that academic year. He was a member of the Quaternion Club and the Furman’s Men’s Honor Society. Burnett was awarded the “Highest Scholastic Average” award. After graduation, Burnett went on to become the founder of the Department of Public Welfare in Saluda County and a distinguished community leader.

Richard Burnett was a four-year letterman at center for the Purple Hurricanes. He was an All-State and All-South selection in 1931. He also played baseball and track. He later became an outstanding Civic Leader in Wilmington, N. C., during the years after his graduation.

James Cameron '03Men's Tennis (2000-03)Inducted 2013

James Cameron was four-year letterman and partnered with John Chesworth to earn All-American doubles honors for the duo's performance at the 2002 NCAA Doubles Championship. The Chesworth/Cameron team advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2002 NCAA Doubles Championship and finished the season ranked No. 38 in the country. In the NCAA Championships, the duo defeated Tulsa's 17th-ranked team of Dane McGregor and Shriranga Sudhakara and UCLA's 29th-ranked tandem of Tobias Clemens and Lassi Ketola before falling to eventual finalists and No. 2 seeded Scott Lipsky and David Martin from Stanford. Cameron was ranked among the top 100 nationally in singles and notched key victories against players from Northwestern, North Carolina, Alabama, Southern Methodist, and Wake Forest. He was a 2003 Academic All-America selection, 2003 SoCon Male Athlete of the Year, and received the Furman Academic Achievement Award in 2003. Cameron was a seven-time All-Southern Conference selection--four times for doubles and three times for singles--and was chosen the Southern Conference Tournament MVP in 2001 and SoCon MVP in 2003. He helped the Paladins to SoCon regular season titles in 2001 & '02, a league tournament championship in '01, and a first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance that year.

Tom Campbell ‘62
Football (1958-62)
Inducted 1990

Tom Campbell was a four-year letterman in football. He led the team in rushing in 1961 and was an All-Southern Conference selection for the 1960-61 season. He was chosen as the South Carolina State Player of the Year for 1960 and 1961. He led the nation in rushing in 1961.

William R. “Billy” Canty ‘62Baseball and Football (1958-62)
Inducted 1988

Billy Canty was an outstanding baseball and football player at Furman. He served as captain of the football team and was selected for a Senior Bowl appearance at Furman, where he played quarterback. Some years after graduation, he returned to his alma mater, where he coached for six years. Canty went on to play professional football and coach at the University of Mississippi.

Jacqulyn Smith Carson ‘00Women’s Basketball (1996-00)
Inducted 2005

Jackie Carson was a forward at Furman. She was a four-time All-Southern Conference selection and two-time SoCon Player of the Year honoree (1998 & ’00). She was twice named SoCon All-Tournament (1997 & ’00) and was a three-time team MVP pick. Carson tabbed SoCon Player of the Week 12 times—the most by a Furman athlete in any sport in school history. She was also the recipient of the 1999 Edna Hartness Female Athlete of the Year award. As a freshman, she helped lead Furman to a 19-8 record and SoCon regular season crown. She paced Furman to a 20-11 record and 2000 SoCon Tournament title and NCAA Tournament appearance. She ranked second all-time in scoring (1,920) and rebounding (1,054) at Furman and recorded 52 double-doubles (points-rebounds) in her career. She also has held school records for free throws in a season (212) and career (724). Carson scored in double figures 29 of 31 games as a senior and 94 times in her four-year career. She also shared the school record for most points in a game (37 vs. Middle Tennessee State). She paced the Southern Conference in both scoring and rebounding three consecutive seasons. At the time of her induction, Carson also ranked ninth all-time at Furman in assists (256), fourth in blocks (99), and fourth in games played (114). She served as assistant women’s basketball coach at Bucknell University and James Madison University before landing back at Furman as the head coach of the women’s basketball team.

Blackie Carter was a three-sport standout while at Furman. He was captain of both the football and baseball teams and later went on to a professional baseball career. He served as Assistant Football Coach under W. L. Laval in 1926.

Sherry CarterWomen's Basketball Head Coach (1982-2002)
Inducted 2016

Sherry Carter, a Greenville native and graduate of Carolina High School, then-Anderson Junior College, and the University of South Carolina, began her coaching career at Woodmont High School and later taught at J.L. Mann High School before accepting the head coaching position at Furman in 1982. In a 20-year tenure she brought Paladin women's basketball into the modern era, posting a 300-254 overall record and 133-102 SoCon mark that included a pair of 20-win campaigns (1990 & '00). She coached Furman to four SoCon regular season championships, two tournament crowns, and two NCAA tournament appearances and was named SoCon Coach of the Year three times. Under her tutelage Furman produced five SoCon Players of the Year, 31 all-conference performers, and the trio of Paladin basketball players in Furman's Hall of Fame: Natalie Cleckley, Rushia Brown, and Jackie Carson — the program's current head coach. Brown went on to play eight years in the WNBA.

Kenneth J. Cass ‘30Football and Baseball (1927-30)
Inducted 1982

Kenneth Cass was a football and baseball standout at Furman. He captained football and baseball teams his senior year. He later became outstanding civic leader in Greenville, serving on the City Council and as mayor for an unprecedented 12 years (1947-59). He was a former President of Hurricane Club, the forerunner of the Paladin Club. Cass was also a charter member of the Greenville Touchdown Club.

Ned H. Caswell ‘87Men’s Tennis and Basketball (1983-87)
Inducted 1992

Ned Caswell was named an NCAA Tennis All-American in 1986 and 1987 and was the recipient of the Southern Conference Tennis MVP Award in 1987. He served as captain of the 1987 Furman tennis team. He was named All-Southern Conference at No. 2 Singles in 1985, as well as All-Southern Conference No. 1 Singles and No. 1 Doubles (1986, ’87). He was the Southern Intercollegiate Champion in 1985 and made it to the NCAA Tennis Championships Round of 16 in 1986. In 1987, Caswell was an NCAA Tennis Championships Quarter Finalist. He had the No. 2 all-time singles winning percentage from 1984-87. He was a member of the U.S. Junior Davis Cup team (1987) and was a Top 225 Player in the World in 1989. Caswell also lettered in Basketball (1982-86) and was the basketball Assist Leader from 1985 to 1986. After graduation, he became the Head Tennis Coach at Anderson College, where he coached his team to the finals of the NJCAA Tournament in 1991. They were NJCAA National Champions in 1992. He received the Max Grubbs Memorial Award for “Coach of the Year” in 1992.

David Charpia ‘84Football (1980-83)
Inducted 1999

David Charpia was a four-year letterman and a two-year starter at quarterback. He was a two-time All-Southern Conference and All-South Carolina selection (1982 & ’83). As a starter, he led Furman to a 19-5-1 record and back-to-back league championships in 1982 and 1983. He helped Furman post wins over South Carolina (28-23) and Georgia Tech (17-14). Charpia served as a team co-captain on the 1983 championship squad. He passed for 1,524 yards in 1982 and 1,811 yards in 1983. He was also a two-time recipient of Furman’s Paladin (MVP) Award.

John Chesworth ‘03Men's Tennis (2000-04)
Inducted 2014

John Chesworth was a four-year letterman for Furman men’s tennis. He partnered with James Cameron (2013 Furman HOF Inductee) to earn All-American doubles honors for the duo's performance at the 2002 NCAA Doubles Championships. The Chesworth/Cameron team advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2002 NCAA Doubles Championship and finished the season as the No. 38 ranked pair in the country. In the NCAA Championships, the duo defeated Tulsa's 17th-ranked team of Dane McGregor and Shriranga Sudhakara and UCLA's 29th-ranked tandem of Tobias Clemens and Lassi Ketola before falling to eventual finalists and No. 2 seeded Scott Lipsky and David Martin from Stanford. Chesworth rose from the No. 5 singles spot as a freshman to the No. 1 spot his junior and senior seasons. He finished 2002 ranked 55th in the country after recording a 17-9 overall mark, all at the No. 1 singles slot. He participated in the 2002 NCAA Singles Championships after putting together one of the most impressive season runs in Furman history, going 17-8 and posting wins over No. 1 singles players from Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Texas Christian, Wake Forest, Charlotte, and Vanderbilt. A six-time All-Southern Conference selection, two times for singles and four times four doubles, Chesworth was chosen the Southern Conference MVP in 2002. He helped the Paladins to SoCon regular season titles in 2001 & '02, a league tournament championship in '01, and first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance that year.

Ricardo ClarkMen’s Soccer (2001-02)Inducted 2010

Ricardo Clark was a two-year standout at defensive midfield. He earned 2002 NSCAA and College Soccer New All-America first team honors. He was a first team All-Southern Conference and NSCAA All-South Region selection while leading the Paladins to back-to-back SoCon regular season championships, a SoCon Tournament crown, and two NCAA Tournament appearances. Clark helped Furman to a 36-8-1 overall record and 16-0 SoCon mark in his two seasons, scoring three goals and adding four assists. He sparked Furman to an NCAA record 11 consecutive shutouts in 2002 and was part of a Paladin program that recorded 46 straight SoCon matches without a loss from 1999-2003. He became Furman’s highest ever draft pick after being selected second overall by the New York/New Jersey Metro Stars in 2003. He was also a finalist for MLS Rookie of the Year. Clark was a three-year starter (2006-08) who helped lead his club to back-to-back MLS Cup titles in 2006 and 2007. Clark was also a 2007 MLS All-Star and made his first appearance with the full U.S. National Team in 2006, and he has been a fixture with the team for the last five years. Clark helped guide the U.S. to the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He scored the game winning goal at Trinidad & Tobago to help the U.S. qualify for 2010 World Cup. He currently plays for Eintracht Frankfurt of Germany’s Bundesliga.

Natalie Cleckley Jackson ‘92

Women’s Basketball (1998-92)
Inducted 1996

Natalie Jackson played center for the Furman women’s basketball program. She was the recipient of the 1987-88 Southern Conference Freshman of the Year award. In addition, she was the 1990-91 Southern Conference Player of the Year and was also selected for the 1990-91 All-Southern Conference first team that year. She was selected for the 1989-90 All-Southern Conference second team. During her junior year, Jackson helped lead Furman to its first Southern Conference basketball championship and first 20-win season (20-9) in 1989-90. She led Furman in scoring and rebounding as a freshman and, as a senior, she paced the Lady Paladins in scoring, rebounding, and field goal percentage. She averaged 14.7 points and 9.5 rebounds per games over the course of her career. She was named to the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll and Furman’s Most Valuable Player in 1990-91. As a senior, she set Furman single-season records for points scored (575) and rebounds (356).

Christine Covington was an outstanding tennis player at Furman and, later, on the national level. She was responsible for forming the first women’s tennis team at Furman. She traveled with men’s teams whenever another women’s team was available to play. While at Furman, she maintained the red clay court behind the main building at the Woman’s College. In 1940, she won the Silver Cup in the first women’s tennis tournament held at Furman. Between 1972 and 1993, she ranked first the state 24 times and second 8 times (she often played against younger players—not enough players in her age division). She ranked first in the Southern rankings several times and ranked sixth nationally in the Women’s 55 Singles in 1977. She represented South Carolina on the Senior Cup team for two years. Covington was inducted into the South Carolina Tennis Association Hall of Fame in 1994.

Gilbert H. “Puss” Cox ‘29Football (1925-28)
Inducted 1984

Puss Cox was a three-year letterman in football and was an All-State and All-Southern selection as guard. After graduation, he had an outstanding high school coaching career in South Carolina. He also received his Master’s degree from Furman in 1956.

Kimberly Currier ‘94Softball (1991-94)
Inducted 2007

Kimberly McAdams was a pitcher and a four-year letter winner at Furman. She became first ever Southern Conference Pitcher of the Year in 1994 after leading Furman to a 33-23 record and league regular season and tournament championships. She was named team MVP and All-SoCon in 1994. McAdams ranked first all-time in strikeouts (640), fourth in wins (61), fourth in ERA (1.65), second in no-hitters (4), second in one-hitters (8), fourth in shutouts (22), and fourth in complete games (84). At the time of her induction, she held Furman records for most strikeouts in a game (18) and season (212).

Alfred L. Daniel ‘79Men’s Basketball (1975-79)
Inducted 1996

Al Daniel was a forward on Furman’s basketball team. He joined the basketball program in 1977 following two years at Anderson Junior College. He was selected for the 1978-79 All-Southern Conference first team, the 1977 All-Southern Conference second team, the 1978-79 All-Southern Conference Tournament first team, and the 1977-78 All-Southern Conference Tournament second team. He scored 1,122 points and averaged 19.0 points per game over 59 games. His career scoring average is seventh best in Furman history. Daniel is one of only 26 Furman players to score 1,000 points in a career. He earned the 1977 Poinsettia Classic MVP award. Daniel helped lead Furman to the 1978 Southern Conference Tournament championship and scored a game high 21 points in the Paladins’ 63-62 loss to Indiana in NCAA Tournament first round action. He tallied 29 points in Furman’s 83-70 upset win over North Carolina in the 1979 North-South Doubleheader. He was drafted by the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs in 1979. Daniel served as assistant head coach at Furman (1981-90), and later at North Carolina State (1991-96). He was named to Furman-Greenville Memorial All-Arena Team in 1996.

Beth A. Daniel ‘78Women’s Golf (1975-78)
Inducted 1981

While at Furman, Beth Daniel played on the 1976 national championship team that included future LPGA players Betsy King, Sherri Turner and Cindy Ferro. She won the U.S. Women's Amateur in 1975 and 1977, as well as the Women's Western Amateur in 1978. She was on the U.S. Curtis Cup teams in 1976 and 1978 (going 4-0 in 1976). Daniel turned pro at the end of 1978 and joined the LPGA Tour in 1979, where she won 33 LPGA Tour events, including one major championship (Mazda LPGA Championship, 1990) during her career. She was named LPGA Tour Player of the Year in 1980 and led the Tour in wins in 1982, 1990 and 1994. Daniel was named the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year in 1990. She was the recipient of the Golf Writers Association of America Female Player of the Year in 1980 and 1990. She also won the 1981 Seagrams Seven Crowns of Sport Award for women’s golf. Daniel was inducted into the South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame in September 1995 and was recognized during the LPGA’s 50th Anniversary in 2000 as one of the LPGA’s top-50 players and teachers. She is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and has played on eight U.S. Solheim Cup teams (1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005). In 2009, she was the captain of the U.S. Solheim Cup team that defeated Europe by a score of 16-12.

Melvin E. Daniel ‘82Men’s Basketball (1979-82)
Inducted 2000

Mel Daniel was a guard, as well as a four-year letterman and starter on the Furman men’s basketball team. He was a three-time All-Southern Conference first team selection (1980, ’81, ’82). Daniel led the Southern Conference in scoring in 1981 (22.0 ppg) and led Furman in scoring in 1982 (17.6 ppg). He was a member of the 1980 Southern Conference championship team and was a two-time honorable mention All-American by The Sporting News. He was a member of the 1981 World University Games gold medal-winning United States team. He ranked seventh on Furman’s career scoring chart (1,707 points, 15.5 ppg), 12th in field goal percentage (47.4%), and fourth in free throw percentage (80.0%). He also ranked fourth all-time in assists (379) and in steals (144). He paced Furman in field goal percentage once, assists and steals three times, and free throw percentage all four years. He was twice named Southern Conference Player of the Week. Daniel scored double figures in 85 games during his career (111 games). He selected by the New Jersey Nets in the 1982 NBA Draft.

Cindy Davis ‘84Golf (1981-84)
Inducted 2011

Cindy Davis was a 1983 National Golf Coaches Association (NCGA) All-America First Team selection and 1982 and ’84 honorable mention NCGA All-American pick. She was named the 1984 Edna Hartness Furman Female Athlete of the Year. She placed as runner-up at the 1983 NCAA Championships with rounds of 72, 69, 74, and 75 (totaling 290), while helping the Paladins to a ninth place finish. She finished 12th at the 1984 NCAA Championships while guiding Furman to a third place showing. Davis qualified as an individual for the 1982 NCAA Championships. She also claimed a 13th place finish and led Furman to a 13th place showing at the 1982 AIAW Championships (note: the NCAA and AIAW both held national championships in 1982). She helped Furman to the five team titles during her four-year career. She captured individual medalist honors at the 1983 U.S./Japan Cup. She has served as both vice president of the LPGA and senior vice president of the Golf Channel and was appointed President of Nike Golf in 2008.

Frank Davis was a key member of the football and baseball teams for four years. He exhibited leadership in student affairs and athletics, which followed after graduation. He served as the Mayor of Morristown, Tennessee, 8 times.

Frankie DeBusk ‘91Football (1987-90)
Inducted 1997

Frankie DeBusk was an outstanding Furman quarterback as a four-year letterman and three-year starter. He was selected to the 1989-90 All-Southern Conference first team. In 1989 he earned All-South Carolina honors. In 1990, he was chosen as the Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Year, as well as the 1990 South Carolina Offensive Player of the Year and the 1990 Furman Most Valuable Player. He became the first quarterback in Southern Conference history to lead his team to a football championship when he directed the Paladins to a school best 13-2 record in 1988. As a starter, he helped Furman post a 34-8 overall record, claim three Southern Conference championships (1988, ’89, & ’90), and earn three NCAA I-AA playoff appearances. He was a part of a senior class that posted the best four-year record in Furman history (41-12). DeBusk has held outright or shared nine school records, with most notable being Furman’s career leader in passing yardage (5,851 yards) and total offense (6,726 yards). He completed 356 of 678 pass attempts, threw 38 touchdowns, and tallied 55 touchdowns in his career. He graduated with a B.A. in health and physical education.

Clinton Drew DempseyMen’s Soccer (2001-03)
Inducted 2008

Clint Dempsey was an outstanding midfielder at Furman. He is one of the most recognized Furman athletes of all time world-wide. He was named second team NSCAA All-American in 2002. Dempsey was also named All-Southern Conference all three seasons, including first team honors in 2001 and 2002. He earned NSCAA All-South Region honors in 2002 and 2003 and was a member of the 2001 Soccer America and College Soccer News All-Freshman teams. He helped Furman to two SoCon regular season titles, two SoCon tournament crowns, and a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances in three seasons. Dempsey contributed to Furman NCAA records for consecutive conference games without a loss (46) and consecutive shutouts (11 in 2002). He totaled 17 goals and 19 assists during his career. He was the eighth overall selection by the New England Revolution in the 2004 Major League Soccer Draft. Dempsey earned MLS Rookie of the Year accolades after scoring seven goals in his inaugural campaign as a professional. He netted 10 goals in second season to earn first of two straight MLS All-Star citations and led the Revolution to the MLS Cup title game in 2005 and 2006. He later transferred to Fulham of the English Premier League in early 2007 and scored the club’s biggest goal of the year against league giant Liverpool to help Fulham remain in the Premier League and avoid relegation. Dempsey netted six goals to pace Fulham in 2007-08. He made his first appearance with the full U.S. National team in 2004 and has since become (along with Landon Donovan) the face of the National Team. He earned a spot with the 2006 World Cup squad and netted the United States’ only goal in Germany on the world’s biggest stage. Dempsey was named 2006 Honda U.S. Soccer Player of the Year and 2007 U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year. He helped his team to 2006 and 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup titles and has scored nine goals for his country.

Bill Dimitrouleas ‘73Track & Field (1970-73)
Inducted 1999

Bill Dimitrouleas was a four-year letterman, a three-time all-conference selection in indoor track and field and a five-time all-league performer in outdoor track & field. He captured Southern Conference Indoor championships in the shot-put in 1972 & ’73, and the 35-lb throw in 1973. He also captured three shot put titles in outdoor track (1971, ’72, ’73), and won the discus championship in 1972 and 1973. In 1973, he was the Southern Conference Most Valuable Performer both in Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field. At his induction, he still held Furman’s record for the indoor 35-lb weight (51’10-1/4”) and the outdoor discus (169’8”).

Red Dobson captained the football and basketball teams at Furman his senior year. He was the Football MVP, earning All-State and All-Southern honors in 1924. He later became director of health and physical education at Furman and eventually the athletic director. Later, Dobson coached at Spartanburg High, where he coached Lyles Alley and Gordon Blackwell. He is also a Member of the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame.

P. Drayton “Daddy” Dorn ‘36Football (1932-35)
Inducted 1982

Daddy Dorn was a football standout as a three-time All-State tackle and captain of the Purple Hurricanes (1933-35). He received the Sportsmanship Award in 1935. He later became a successful businessman with C.I.T. Financial Corporation in Charleston.

Steve Duggan ‘91Football (1987-90)
Inducted 1997

As a center on the football team, Steve Duggan was a four-year letterman and three-year starter. He was selected in 1988, ’89 & ’90 to the All-Southern Conference first team. He earned All-South Carolina honors in 1989 and was a 1990 consensus for first-team All-American (Kodak, Associated Press, Walter Camp, and Sports Network). He was the 1989 recipient of the South Carolina Jacobs Blocking Award and the 1990 recipient Southern Conference Jacobs Blocking Award. He is also the school’s only recipient of both the Southern Conference and South Carolina Jacobs Blocking Awards (first Furman recipient of the state’s Jacobs Award since 1951). Duggan served as a team captain his senior year. As a starter, he helped Furman post a 34-8 overall record, claim three Southern Conference championships (1988, ’89 & ’90), and earn three NCAA I-AA playoff appearances. The 1988 team went 13-2 and claimed NCAA I-AA national championship. He was part of a senior class that posted the best four-year record in Furman history (41-12). Duggan held the Furman season record for play participations by an offensive lineman (910). He registered 2,187 plays, 25 “winning” grades, and 10 “exceptional” single game marks in his career. He graduated with a B.A. in sociology.

Megan Dunigan Klein ‘02
Women’s Tennis (1999-2002)
Inducted 2007

Megan Klein is the most decorated player in Furman women’s tennis history, earning Southern Conference Player of the Year honors an unrivaled four consecutive times. She holds the school record for career singles victories (79) and ranks second for single-season victories (24). She is a four-time All-Southern Conference selection and was the 1999 SoCon Freshman of the Year. She is the first women’s tennis player in conference history to earn Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors in the same season. She was recognized as the SoCon Tournament MVP in 2000 and 2001 after winning the flight one singles league championship. She went undefeated in SoCon play as a sophomore, junior, and senior. Dunigan led the Lady Paladins to their first NCAA tournament win with a 4-1 upset of LSU in 2002. She became Furman’s first individual NCAA Championship participant in 2002 after posting a 24-1 record. She received the Edna Hartness Female Athlete of the Year award as a senior and was named to the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll all four years. Dunigan was an ITA Academic All-American in 2001 and 2002. She owns an overall mark of 79-20 in singles action and 49-28 in doubles.

V. Allen Edwards ‘92Football (1988-91)
Inducted 2000

Allen Edwards was a four-year letterman and starter at nose guard. He was a three-time All-Southern Conference first team selection (1989, ’90, & ’91) and the 1991 Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He earned 1991 Associated Press All-American second team honors. Edwards started as a freshman on Furman’s 1988 NCAA I-AA national championship team that posted a school best 13-2 record and on three Southern Conference championship teams (1988, ’89, & ’90). He was a two-time honoree as Furman’s Best Defensive Lineman (1990 & ’91). He served as a 1991 team co-captain. In 1991, he was the recipient of Furman’s Defensive Award for the top defensive player and Paladin Award (team MVP). In 1988, the team led the nation in scoring defense (9.5 ppg). At the time of his induction, Edwards ranked sixth on Furman’s career sacks chart (10.5). He helped Furman to 41-12 record during his career.

David G. Ellison ‘72Men’s Tennis (1978-72)
Inducted 1992

David Ellison earned All-Southern Conference honors in both singles doubles (1969, ’71, and ’72) and served as captain of the 1972 team. He was named the Southern Conference Champion number 2 singles and number 2 doubles in 1969. He was also the Southern Conference Champion for number one doubles in 1971 and the Southern Conference Champion number 2 singles and number 2 doubles in 1972. Ellison was a participant in the NCAA Tennis Tournament. He served as a Tennis Volunteer Coach in 1976. He is a former President of the Paladin Club and served on the President’s Advisory Committee. He is also a former President of the Alumni Board and a member of the Heritage Society. He established the David G. Ellison Tennis scholarship and Paul Scarpa Tennis scholarship. He is a member of the Furman Advisory Council and is a distinguished community leader and is known as a huge supporter of Furman University and its Athletic program.

William B. Ertel ‘92Baseball (1989-93)
Inducted 2001

William Ertel was a pitcher/infielder, a four-year letterman and starter on Furman’s baseball team. He posted a school best single-season mark of 12-6 in 1991 to lead Furman to a 26-26 record, Southern Conference Tournament championship, and NCAA Tournament berth—the program’s first break-even season and post-season appearance since 1976. On the SoCon Tournament’s final day, Ertel came on in relief to pitch 1 1/3 scoreless innings to gain the victory in Furman’s 7-6, 10-inning win over Appalachian State. In the championship game later that day, Ertel came out of the bullpen in the first inning (with Furman trailing 3-0 and no outs) and pitched a complete game (9 innings) to help the Paladins to an 11-9 title game win over heavily favored Western Carolina. Ertel earned an All-Southern Conference first team selection in 1991 and was selected as the Southern Conference Pitcher of the Year that same year. He is one of the only two players in Furman baseball history to earn All-Atlantic Region honors (1991). He has held Furman season records for complete games (11), innings pitched (132.1), decisions (18), and wins (12). Ertel ranked second in career wins (20), sixth in career strikeouts (187), and sixth in career appearances (56).

Dick Esleeck ‘69Basketball (1965-69)
Inducted 1983

Dick Esleeck was selected as a Helms Foundation Basketball All-American in 1969. He earned first team All-Conference honors in 1968 and 1969. He led the Paladins in scoring and free throw percentage (1968, ’69) and ranked tenth in career points in Paladin basketball at the time of his induction.

Bruce Evans '92Basketball (1989-1992)Inducted 2016

Bruce Evans, who starred on the court at nearby Hillcrest High School in Simpsonville, S.C., was named Southern Conference Freshman of the Year in 1989, beginning an outstanding career that would see him twice garner team MVP and All-SoCon honors while helping Paladin basketball fashion a 69-48 overall record and 25-22 league mark during his career — the program's most successful stretch since the late 1970s. As a junior he keyed Furman to a 20-9 campaign, SoCon championship, and a berth into the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). A four-year starter, he paced the Paladins in scoring as a sophomore, junior, and senior and topped the program in field goal percentage every year. He ranks eighth on Furman's career scoring ledger (1,773 points/15.2 ppg), second all-time in field goal percentage (57.6%), and 10th in rebounding (761/6.5 rpg).

Richard Evington was a three-sport letterman in football, basketball and baseball. He earned All-State honors in both football and basketball. He was an outstanding team leader and captain. After graduation, he became a dedicated Coach and Teacher in Greenville school system.

Ken Ezell '77Men's Golf (1974-77)Inducted 2017

Ken Ezell was a four-year letterman for the Furman men’s golf team. An honorable mention All-America selection, he was a three-time All-Southern Conference honoree and three-time SoCon Tournament medalist--the only golfer in Furman history to accomplish the feat. Ezell’s individual SoCon titles helped Furman capture three consecutive SoCon team championships (1975-77) and earn the program its first team NCAA Tournament appearance in 1977, where the team finished 18th. He is tied for second on Furman’s career tournament victories list with four, which includes the 1976 South Carolina Collegiate, in addition to the three SoCon crowns.

Bradford J. Faxon, Jr. ‘83Men’s Golf (1980-83)
Inducted 1991

Brad Faxon was a two-time All-American (1982, 1983). He played on the 1983 Walker Cup team and won the Haskins Award for the most outstanding collegiate golfer in the United States in 1983. Faxon also received that same year's Golf Magazine and NCAA Coaches’ Awards as the nation's outstanding amateur golfer. He turned professional in 1983 and has won eight times on the PGA Tour. He led the PGA Tour in Putting Average in 1996, 1999, and 2000 (when he set the single-season record with only 1.704 putts per green in regulation).

Jerome Felton '07Football (2004-07)Inducted 2013

Felton was a four-year letterwinner who played in 50 games and registered 44 starts at fullback during his Paladin career. He rushed 565 times for 2,652 yards and 63 touchdowns. His many honors included a 2007 Sports Network first team All-America selection; 2005, '06, & '07 College Sporting News Fabulous 50 FCS All-Star pick; and a three-time All-Southern Conference choice — a very rare feat for a true fullback. At the time of his induction, Felton was the leading rushing fullback in Furman history (ranks 8th overall) and also held the school standards for most TD rushes in a game (6 vs. Western Carolina, 2006), season (23, 2006), and career (63). Felton's 6-TD performance vs. WCU broke the oldest existing Furman individual record set in 1915 and garnered him Sports Network National Player of the Week accolades. He moved into the starting lineup midway through his freshman season (2004) and scored 10 TDs in keying Furman to a 10-3 record, SoCon championship,and NCAA FCS quarterfinal playoff appearance. He rushed for a Furman fullback season record 940 yards and 18 TDs in 2005 in an 11-3 campaign that included an NCAA FCS semifinal playoff finish and helped Furman qualify for 2006 NCAA FCS playoffs as well. The four-year Furman record during his tenure was 35-15 (21-7 vs. SoCon) and the program was ranked in the FCS Top 25 for 46 consecutive weeks from 2004 to midway through 2007 campaign. Felton ran for a career high 154 yards and a career long 60-yard touchdown run in 52-49 win over Elon in 2007 and rushed for 67 yards and four TDs vs. North Carolina (45-42 loss). He was also a four-time SoCon Academic Honor Roll honoree, 2007 NACDA FCS Academic All-Star, 2007 East-West Shrine Bowl participant, and 2008 NFL Combine invitee. He was selected by Detroit Lions in 5th Round (11th pick, 146th overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft and played five seasons in the NFL prior to his induction, including stints with Detroit, Carolina, St. Louis, and Minnnesota. He was a 2012 NFL Pro Bowl selection with the Vikings (only second Furman Pro Bowl selection in Furman history).

Cate Fenster was a six-time All-Southern Conference honoree who earned 1991 Furman Female Athlete of the Year honors. She was a two-time All-Southern Conference Cross Country selection and won the SoCon individual cross country title in 1990 and ’91. In 1991, she became the first woman in school history and second in the Southern Conference to qualify for the NCAA Cross Country Championship, where she took 40th with a time of 17:37. She was named Most Outstanding Performer at the 1991 SoCon Indoor Championship and 1990 SoCon Cross Country Championship. At her induction, she held the school record in the 5000m indoor run (16:51:72).

Lee Fidler ‘71Cross Country/Track & Field (1968-71)
Inducted 2006

Lee Fidler was a four-year letterman who served as captain of both cross country and track teams in 1970 and 1971. He was a four-time All-South Carolina selection in cross country, with his career highlighted by a fourth place finish his junior year and second place finish his senior year. He was a two-time All-Southern Conference honoree in cross country following his fifth place finish as a junior and second place finish as a senior. Fidler won the South Carolina State Meet three-mile as a senior and also captured Outstanding Meet Performer in 1971 after winning three-mile and six-mile events. He qualified for the NCAAs in both events and competed in the six-mile at both the NCAAs in Seattle, WA, and in the AAUs in Eugene, OR. Fidler’s six-mile time of 29:08 was a conference record. He captured cross country and track MVP honors in 1971. Overall, he set school records in two-mile indoors (9:17), two-mile outdoors (9:05), three-mile (13:59), six-mile (29:08), and marathon (2:45:03) during his collegiate career. He has won five marathons since graduation, including events in South Carolina, Atlanta and Charlotte. He is a three-time Olympic trials qualifier in the marathon and five-time top-20 finisher in the Boston Marathon. Fidler ran the 10th fastest marathon in the United States in 1975 and holds Georgia records for half-marathon (35-39 age group) and mile (45-49 age group). At one time he also held marathon records for South Carolina and North Carolina and Georgia 10K (35-39 age group).

Kelly L. Fletcher ‘90Football (1986-89)
Inducted 1996

Kelly Fletcher was an outstanding defensive end at Furman. He was selected as a 1989 consensus first team All-American (Kodak, Associated Press, Football Gazette, and Sports Network). He was chosen as the 1989 Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He was also selected to the 1988-89 All-Southern Conference first team. In 1989, he received the Furman Most Valuable Player award. In 1988, Fletcher earned All-South Carolina honors and was also chosen for the 1988-89 GTE Academic All-American first team. He was also on the 1988-89 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll. Fletcher was a starter at rush end on two Furman Southern Conference championship teams in 1988 and ’89 and was an outstanding performer on Furman’s 1988 NCAA I-AA national championship team, which posted a 13-2 mark. He headlined a Furman pass rush in 1988 and ’89 that combined for 97 sacks in two seasons. He recorded a Furman single-game record five sacks in a 42-0 win over Newberry in 1988 and in a 17-3 win over Western Carolina in 1989. Fletcher set Furman and Southern Conference single-season sack records (19) in 1989 and held both school and league career sack marks (25.5). In 1989, he became the first academic/athletic All-American in Furman athletics history, in addition to graduating cum laude.

C. Darrell Floyd ‘56Men’s Basketball (1953-56)
Inducted 1981

Floyd played guard for the men’s basketball team while at Furman. In 71 career games, he scored 2,281 points and topped 40 points in a game on 15 occasions. Floyd was a two-time national scoring champion (1954-55 with 35.9; 1955-56 with 33.8). He was also a two-time consensus NCAA Division I All-America second team selection (1955, ’56). In addition, he was a two-time recipient of the South Carolina Player of the Year and two-time recipient of the Southern Conference Player of the Year award. He was just the second player to repeat as NCAA scoring champion (first was Frank Selvy). In 1955, he scored 67 points in a win over Morehead State, which was the ninth-highest single-game scoring total in NCAA history. At the end of his career he owned a 32.1 points per game scoring average (eighth-highest in NCAA history).

Frank C. Ford ‘74
Men’s Golf (1972-74)
Inducted 2006

Frank Ford was a three-year letterman in men’s golf, serving as team captain his junior and senior years, and a member of Furman’s 1973 Southern Conference championship team. In 1974 he earned All-Southern Conference honors. He was a two-time All-South Carolina selection and a 1999 South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame inductee. He was the 1992 Carolinas Amateur champion (Turtle Point) as well as the 1996 South Carolina Amateur champion (Palmetto Hall-Hill) and the 1988 Carolinas Mid-Amateur champion (Wachesaw). In 1992, he was selected as the South Carolina G.A. Player of the Year and as the 1992 Carolinas Player of the Year. He is a four-time Carolinas Four Ball champion and a two-time South Carolina Mid-Amateur Four Ball champion. He was the 1998 Southern Amateur runner-up. Ford recorded three Top 15 finishes at the Northeast Amateur and captured medalist honors three times in U.S. Amateur qualifiers. He is a three-time qualifier for U.S. Mid-Amateur, including two medalist finishes. He is a two-time British Amateur participant—St. Andrews (1982) and Roy Lytham and St. Annes (1986). In 1995, he was the South Carolina Match Play runner-up, and in 1985 he was the South Carolina Amateur runner-up. He was the 1996 South Carolina G.A. Better Ball champion and recorded a ninth place finish at the 1982 Georgia Open. Ford was a member of the 1999 South Carolina squad that finished seventh in USGA State Team Championships. He is a 14-time member of the Palmetto Cup Team and a 14-time member of Carolinas-Virginias Team. He was the 2001 Carolinas Golf Association Mid-Amateur third place finisher. Ford served as president of South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame in 2002, in addition to serving a three-year term as executive director of Georgia State Golf Association (1980-83) and as president of Carolinas Golf Association (1994-95). He was also the recipient of 2005 USGA Ike Grainger Award. Ford is a six-time Charleston Amateur champion, a two-time Low Country Amateur champion, a six-time Charleston City Four Ball champion, an 11-time Country Club of Charleston stroke play champion, and four-time match play titleist. He was also the 1982 Atlanta Country Club champion.

Daniel M. Foster ‘49Honorary Inductee
Inducted 2001

Daniel Foster’s sports writing career began with the Greenville Piedmont as a Furman undergraduate in 1948. He covered many of the state and nation’s greatest sporting events for over 50 years until his retirement in 2000. Following a three-year tenure in the United States Air Force from 1950-53, he returned to Greenville as a sports editor and columnist in 1958, and later with the Greenville News in 1968. In 1986 he served as president of the Football Writers Association of America and in 1998 was inducted into the United States Basketball Writers Association Hall of Fame. Prior to his retirement in 2000, Foster was awarded the Order of Palmetto, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a citizen by the state of South Carolina.

Chas Fox set a Southern Conference record for career touchdowns (28), as well as Furman career receiving records in season touchdown receptions (11), receptions (113), receiving yards (2,158), touchdown receptions (28) and yards per game (68.8). He also held Furman marks for season punt returns (43), career punt returns (110), and career punt return yards (858). Fox earned All-South Carolina honors (1984-85) and All-Southern Conference honors (1984-85). He was the football co-captain for the 1984-85 season. In 1986, he was the 4th round draft choice by Kansas City Chiefs. Fox also participated on the track team and set a school record in the sprint medley relay. He was selected as the 1985 Track MVP. He wrote a book titled You Can’t Be Too Fast to help athletes improve their speed.

Cathy Frohnheiser ‘94Softball (1991-94)
Inducted 1999

Cathy Frohnheiser was an outstanding third baseman at Furman. She became Furman’s first and only softball All-American when she was named to the first-team in 1993. She tabbed the team’s Most Valuable Player award in 1993 and 1994. She was selected as Furman University’s Edna Hartness Female Athlete of the Year in 1993. She was named the 1994 Southern Conference Player of the Year as well. Frohnheiser was also a three-time All-South Region selection. She set two NCAA Division I Records in 1993—doubles in a season (25) and consecutive games with a hit (42). She also led the nation with 65 RBI and hit .492 on the year. Frohnheiser recorded a season slugging percentage of .855 with a .533 on-base mark. She was invited to the U.S. Olympic Trials. She set school records for hits in a season (88), RBI (65), doubles in a season (25) and career (61), triples in a season (8) and career (28), and batting average in a season (.492) and career (.386).

Alester G. Furman, Jr. ‘14Honorary Inductee
Inducted 1981

Alester Furman graduated from Furman University with a bachelor's degree in 1914 and received honorary LLD degrees from both Furman and Clemson universities. Through real estate, investment, and insurance business activities, Furman developed the Upstate's textile industry. He served as a trustee for Furman University for 20 years and a trustee chairman for 11 years from 1947-1953 and 1955-1959. He was serving as a chairman when the decision was made to move the school from its downtown Greenville location to the present site. In addition, he was chairman of two committees to recommend a new president for Furman University in 1939 and 1964.

Bruce Gheesling ‘82Football (1978-82)
Inducted 1999

Bruce Gheesling was an outstanding linebacker at Furman, being a three-year letterman and a starter. He was a three-time All-Southern Conference first team selection (1979, ’80 & ’81) and a 1981 all-state pick. He was selected as a 1981 NCAA Division I Associated Press All-American third team. He was a starter on two Southern Conference championship teams (1980 & ’81) and served as co-captain of 1981 conference championship squad. Gheesling was a five-time Southern Conference Player of the Week selection during his career and a two-time recipient of Furman’s Defensive Award (top defensive player). He led Furman in tackles in 1980 (123 tackles) and ’81 (152 tackles). At his induction, he ranked 10th on Furman’s career tackle chart (364). Gheesling played professionally with the Chicago Blitz and Arizona Wranglers of the United States Football League (USFL).

Ernest Gibson ‘84Football (1980-84)
Inducted 1990

Ernest Gibson played on four consecutive Southern Conference Championship football teams. At his induction, he held the career record for most consecutive starts (42). He was a two-time Kodak and Associated Press All-American (1982-83). Gibson earned All-Southern Conference honors in 1982 and 1983. He was drafted in the sixth round by the New England Patriots.

Hazel Gilstrap ‘42Football (1939-41)
Inducted 2001

Hazel Gilstrap was a tackle for the Furman football team from 1939-41. He was a three-year letterman who played on Furman squads that posted wins over Georgia, North Carolina State, and South Carolina (twice), among others. He was a two-time honorable mention All-South Carolina selection and the recipient of the team MVP award in 1941. He played in the Carolinas Lions Bowl his senior year. He served as a successful prep coach at Charleston’s St. Andrews High School, where he posted a 108-48-7 record and won two state championships. He later served as president of the Southern Conference, Director of Athletics at Appalachian State, and as a member of the NCAA Steering Committee.

Laura Elizabeth Gioia ‘09Women's Tennis (2006-09)
Inducted 2014

Laura Gioia is a four-year letterwinner in women’s tennis. She advanced to the round of 16 in the 2009 NCAA Division I Women's Tennis Championships to become the only Furman women's tennis player to earn ITA All-America status. She earned a 6-4, 6-1 victory over No. 16 Nina Munch-Soegaard of TCU in the opening round of the tournament, then beat No. 41 Mari Andersson of California, 6-4, 6-1, in the second round. She was the 2009 ITA Southeast Region Senior Player of the Year, 2007-08 and 2008-09 Furman Female Athlete of the Year, 2008-09 Southern Conference Female Athlete of the Year, 2007 & 2009 Southern Conference Player of the Year, 2006 SoCon Freshman of the Year, and 2008 SoCon Tournament MVP. Gioia was named to the All-SoCon first team for singles and doubles all four seasons. She earned a national ranking of seventh early in the spring of 2009, the highest ranking ever achieved by a Furman women's tennis player and was ranked among the top 20 players in the country all season. On the court, she led the Paladins to a 37-0 regular season conference record over her four seasons and helped the Paladins to four SoCon regular season championships and three tournament titles. She competed as a part of the Furman team in three NCAA tournaments (2006, 2007, & 2008). Gioia leads Furman with a combined 143 singles and doubles career victories and ranks second in the Furman career records with 76 singles victories and third with 67 doubles wins. Her .757 career singles and doubles winning percentage ranks second in the Paladin records. She also ranks fifth in the Furman singles season record book with 22 singles wins and tenth with 19 doubles victories. She is third in the Paladin season records with a combined 41 singles and doubles wins. Despite competing at the top singles position beginning her freshman year, Gioia posted three consecutive 20-win seasons, winning 33 of her 36 career conference matches, and going undefeated in the league as a sophomore and a senior. She was a recipient of the SoCon's Dorothy Hicks Graduate Scholarship and a four-time ITA All-Academic Team and SoCon Academic Honor Roll selection

Gerald Glur ‘63Men’s Basketball (1961-63)
Inducted 2006

Gerald Glur played center for the Furman men’s basketball team. He was a three-year letterman and a three-year starter. Glur was a two-time All-Southern Conference selection (1962 & ’63). He led Furman in rebounding all three seasons and the Southern Conference in rebounding in 1962 (18.1 rpg). At his induction, Glur ranked second all-time at Furman in rebounding (1,183/14.6 rpg), having compiled his numbers in only 81 games. He trailed only Jonathan Moore, who played in 117 games over four seasons. Glur claimed a Furman record 29 boards (second best in SoCon history) in a 74-71 loss to Richmond in 1963. He scored 1,029 points in three seasons (12.7 ppg), ranking him 33rd on the school’s career scoring ledger. He was a member of Furman squads that went 15-11, 15-12, and 14-14, while also posting a combined three-year SoCon record of 23-18. He was a member of the 1961 team beat South Carolina twice, LSU, and Clemson. The 1962 squad topped Clemson, Florida State, Virginia Tech, and South Carolina, and the 1963 team claimed two wins over Virginia Tech, West Virginia, and Wake Forest. Glur was also a member of 1961 Furman Poinsettia Classic championship team.

Walter W. Goldsmith ‘17Inducted 1981

Nield P. Gordon ‘53Men’s Basketball (1949-53)
Inducted 1981

Gordon was a member of the Paladin basketball program for two years, during which he helped Furman go 18-6 and 21-6, respectively. As a senior in 1953, when the league still included schools such as Duke, North Carolina, N.C. State, Maryland, Clemson, and South Carolina, Gordon earned second team All-Southern Conference honors. He averaged 22.6 points per game over 51 games, including 24.3 as a senior. Gordon served in the United States Army before beginning his coaching career at Belmont Abbey College (1956). He returned to Furman a year later as an assistant coach until accepting the head coaching position at Newberry College (1962). Following a highly successful 15-year coaching tenure at Newberry, he moved on to Winthrop College. During his nine years there as head basketball coach and director of athletics, he helped establish and direct the men's athletic program at the previously all-female school. Gordon has also been inducted into the South Carolina, Wingate College, and NAIA Halls-of-Fame. Gordon's jersey is the fifth to be retired in Furman basketball history.

Janine Granger was a four-year letter winner in softball and volleyball. At the time of her induction, she held Furman softball season records for wins, shutouts and one-hitters; Furman career records in winning percentage, shutouts and one-hitters; and also the Furman record for consecutive scoreless innings pitched with 36. She also held Furman volleyball season records in games played, kills, and digs. Her softball honors include Team MVP (1988), Team Captain (1986-88), All-South Region (1988), Furman Female Athlete of the Year/Furman Athlete of the Year (1987-88), Southern Conference All-Decade Team, and Southern Conference Softball Player of the Decade. Her volleyball honors include Coach’s Award (1985), Team MVP (1987), first player named to Southern Conference All-Tournament Team in 1987, All-Southern Conference (1987), and Southern Conference All-Decade Team.

W. N. “Captain Bill” Gressette ‘17Football (1913-16)
Inducted 1990

Bill Gressette lettered four years in football and baseball. At the time of his induction, he ranked 1st and 2nd in most points scored in a single games and 3rd for most points in a season. He had the most touchdowns (single game and season) and ranked 5th in career touchdowns. He was the only player to rush over 300 yards in a single game. Gressette earned All-South Carolina honors in 1915 and 1916. He served as captain of the 1915-16 football team. He was also an outstanding outfielder on the baseball team.

Also known as “Flash,” Horace Hammett lettered for three years in football and track. He was president of the student body, a member of the Quaternion Club, and was captain of the track team. He was also an outstanding leader in the South Carolina Baptist Convention throughout the years.

Ralph Curtus Hamer ‘43Football (1939-43)
Inducted 1986

As a sophomore, Ralph Hamer became a starter on the varsity football and second only to Dewey Proctor as the highest scorer in the state. He was named an Honorable Mention All-American as a junior. In addition to the running back position, he was also the extra point kicked, and he played both offense and defense in 1942. Hamer was selected for the North-South All-Star game, and he was also selected to play in the Blue/Gray game but declined due to his draft by the Detroit Lions. Following graduation, Hamer was a high school coach at various schools across the state and was a popular public speaker.

Jen Hanna ‘98Women’s Golf (1995-98)
Inducted 2003

Jen Hanna was a four-year letter winner in women’s golf. In 1998, she earned NGCA All-America first team honors and was also selected as the 1998 Edna Hartness Female Athlete of the Year. She was also the 1995 Southern Conference Freshman of the Year recipient and SoCon Player of the Year in ’96 and ’98 and earned all-conference honors three times. Hanna played in three NCAA Championships with a top finish of 36th at the ’97 event in Columbus, Ohio (team finished 6th, 13th, and 16th). She set the Furman season stroke average record (73.63) during 1997-98 campaign.

Harry “Hoss” Harmon ‘31Football (1927-30)
Inducted 1985

Hoss Harmon was elected captain of the freshman football team (1927) and later captain of the varsity team (1930). He earned All-State Back honors (1929) and All-State Guard honors (1930). He was an Honorable Mention All-American Guard (1930). After graduation, Harmon became a high school coach in South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia, winning 76 percent of his games. He retired in 1970 as athletic director at Newport News High School.

Clyde H. Hewell ‘69Football (1965-69)
Inducted 1986

Clyde Hewell was the first player in Furman’s history to be named College Player of the Year for the state of South Carolina (1968). He was the quarterback of the Paladin squad with the most passing attempts (563) and most yards gained in season and career. He led the team in passing (1966, ’67 & ’68).

E. M. Horton ‘52Football (1948-52)
Inducted 1987

Sonny Horton was an outstanding, hard-running halfback for the Paladins. He served as captain of the 1951 team. He was selected as Most Athletic at Furman as a senior and was also named to Who’s Who.

A 16-time All-Southern Conference selection, Heather Hunt led the Lady Paladin team to conference championships in 1993, ’94, and ’95, also winning the individual title each of those years. She was a winner of six SoCon indoor track titles and one outdoor track event. She was named Furman Female Athlete of the Year in 1996. She still holds nine Furman track records. Hunt was named the Southern Conference Most Outstanding Performer for cross country three times and once for indoor track. She was also SoCon Freshman of the Year for cross country and indoor and outdoor track in 1992-93. In addition, she was a four-time member of the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Russell W. Hunt, Jr. ‘73
Men’s Basketball (1971-73)
Inducted 1999

Russ Hunt played both post and wing for the Paladins and was a three-year letterman and starter. He was a two-time first team All-Southern Conference selection (1971 & ’72) and a 1972 Southern Conference All-Tournament first team honoree. He was selected as the 1972 Southern Conference Player of the Year. Hunt led Furman in scoring (17.7 ppg) and rebounding (9.0 rpg) as a sophomore in 1971. He also paced the Southern Conference in scoring as a junior (22.5 ppg) in 1972. Hunt helped lead Furman to a pair of Southern Conference Tournament Championships and two NCAA Tournament berths (1971 & ’73) during his career. At the time of his induction, he ranked 20th on Furman’s all-time scoring chart (1,248 points). He was a five-time Southern Conference Player of the Week pick and was named to the Greenville Memorial Auditorium All-Time Team (1958-95). Hunt was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 1973 NBA Draft.

Rock Hurst was a four-year letterman and two-year starter as a linebacker in football. He was selected as the Southern Conference Athlete of the Year (1984-85) and was a consensus All-Southern Conference first team selection (coaches & media) and AFCA/Kodak first team All-America pick in 1984. Hurst served as team co-captain in his senior year and led squad with 160 tackles. The 1984 team went 8-3 and defeated N.C. State 34-30. Hurst registered a then-school single-game record 27 tackles in win over the Wolfpack. He was the recipient of Furman’s Defensive Award for the top defensive player and Paladin (MVP) Award that year. He finished second on the squad with 140 tackles in 1983, helping Paladins to 10-2-1 record and conference championship. The 1983 season included 17-14 win over Georgia Tech, and as a starting linebacker Hurst helped Furman post an 18-5-1 record. His four-year Furman mark during his career was 35-11-1 and included three league titles. His 364 career tackles ranks 11th in school history. Hurst was also a four-year letterman and two-year starter as a catcher in baseball. He was an All-Southern Conference first team selection (1984 & ’85), pacing Furman in hitting as a junior (.386, 13 HR, 44 RBI) and senior (.382, 12 HR, 48 RBI). Hurst finished his career with third best batting average (.340) in school history. He held Furman’s career record for slugging percentage (.616) and ranked as high as third in career home runs (31) and fourth in RBI (117). He played professional baseball in the Cleveland Indians organizations and professional football with Canadian Football League Hamilton Tiger Cats.

Louis L. Ivory, Jr. ‘02Football (1998-2001)
Inducted 2007

Louis Ivory played both fullback and tailback for the Paladins. He is the most decorated offensive player in Furman football history. His awards include: 2000 Walter Payton Award (top offensive player in the NCAA I-AA), 2000 consensus All-America (AFCA, Associated Press, Walter Camp, and Sport s Network) honors, 2000 Furman Team MVP award, 2000-01 Furman Male Athlete of the Year, 2000 South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame Male Amateur Athlete of the Year, 2000-01 Southern Conference Male Athlete of the Year, 2000 South Carolina Player of the Year (Greenville Touchdown Club), and 2001 second team All-America (AP, Sports Network). His jersey, number 34, has been retired and is one of only three retired jerseys in school history. He set Furman’s all-time leading rushing (5,353 yards) and scoring (316 points) records and currently holds or shares 19 Furman school records. Ivory rushed for a school record and nation-leading 2,079 yards (189.0 ypg) and 16 touchdowns in 2000, including SoCon record 301 yards and three touchdowns in 45-10 rout of Georgia Southern. He notched six 200+-yard rushing performances and 28 100-yard rushing performances in his career. Ivory ran for 177 yards in a 28-3 win over North Carolina in 1999. He was named SoCon Player of the Week eight times in his tenure. He also played a key role in helping Furman to a 35-15 record, two SoCon championships (1999 & ’01), and three NCAA I-AA playoff appearances, including 2001 national runner-up finish (12-3). Ivory served as team captain in 2001.

Brandi Jackson ‘03Women’s Golf (2000-03)
Inducted 2012

Brandi Jackson was a four-year letter winner, earning 2003 second-team NGCA All-America honors, NGCA All-Region honors, and Southern Conference Player of the Year accolades. She was a three-time All-SoCon selection (2001, 2002, and 2003). Jackson ranks fourth in single season stroke average with 74.13 average in 31 rounds during the 2003 season. She fired rounds of 68-71-66=205 to claim individual medalist honors at the 2003 NCAA East Regional in Clemmons, NC. Her final round 66 at the NCAA East Regional ranks as the second-best round ever by a Paladin golfer. Jackson captured 2002 SoCon individual medalist honors (70-72-72=214) while helping Furman to the SoCon team title at Wescott Plantation in North Charleston, NC. She posted a 76.68 career stroke average and totaled 11 career top-10 finishes and two tournament victories. She helped Furman to three SoCon Championships (2000, ’01, ’02) and four NCAA Regional appearances (2000, ’01, ’02, ’03). Jackson guided the Paladins to four team tournament titles during her career. She was the 1999 and 2000 South Carolina Women’s Match Play champion and was a finalist at the 2002 US Women’s Amateur. She recorded 19 top-10 finishes, including three second-place finishes on the Duramed Futures Tour.

Edward J. Jasonek ‘51Football (1947-51)
Inducted 1996

As a running back, Edward Jasonek was a two-year starter who led Furman in rushing and receiving as a junior in 1949. As a senior in 1950, Jasonek rushed for a team-leading 786 yards and eight touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 192 yards in 1950. He was selected to play in the 1950 Blue-Gray Game and was named to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. Jasonek made the Dean’s List and was also voted Furman’s Most Athletic in 1951. He assisted with recruiting for Furman after graduation.

Francis B. Jennings ‘57Inducted 1991

Stanford Jennings ‘84Football (1980-83)
Inducted 1990

Stanford Jennings was selected as the Southern Conference Player of the Year three times (1981, ’82 & ’83). At the time of his induction, he ranked third in Southern Conference total offense (career) and was the Southern Conference rushing leader (1981, ’82 & ’83). He was also the Southern Conference all-purpose yardage leader (1981, ’83) and the Southern Conference scoring leader (1983). He was selected as both the Freshman MVP and the Southern Conference Athlete of the Year in 1983. He was selected for the Blue/Gray game and Senior Bowl in 1983. Jennings was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals, where he served as captain of special teams and returned a kick-off for a touchdown in the 1989 Super Bowl.

Dr. John E. Johns ‘47Honorary Inductee
Inducted 1994

Dr. Johns was an outstanding supporter of Furman athletics during his tenure as President from 1976-1994. Furman won 48 of its current 68 league sports championships and the 1988 NCAA I-AA National Football championship during his tenure. Twelve students were named Academic All-American during his presidency, and over 500 student-athletes were named to the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll since it began in 1988-89. He also restructured the athletic development staff while at Furman. Dr. Johns implemented enhancements in facilities, promotions, publicity, scholarships and support services for women’s sports. He also established new intercollegiate programs in women’s soccer, women’s cross-country and women’s indoor and outdoor track. Dr. Johns appointed the associate athletic director for compliance and eligibility, athletic academic advisor, and strength training coach. He was also well known for leading the “FU all the time!” cheer that has become a favorite of Furman faithful.

Bobby JohnsonFootball
Inducted 2009

Bobby Johnson served as assistant coach (1976-1980; 82-92), defensive coordinator (1984-92), and head coach (1994-01) at Furman. He spent a combined total of 24 years as a member of Furman’s football staff, including 17 seasons as an assistant coach and seven years as a head coach. As an assistant, he played a key role in Furman compiling a 132-53-7 record, including a 91-31-3 mark during his tenure as defensive coordinator. Johnson served as defensive coordinator for Furman’s 1988 NCAA I-AA national championship team, directing a unit that led the nation in scoring defense (9.7 ppg) en route to a school record 13-win season (13-2). He tallied a 60-36 record (.625) as a head coach and was part of 10 of Furman’s 12 Southern Conference Championship squads, including two as a head coach (1999 & ’01). Johnson took over a Furman program in 1993 that won just three games in his first season. Within three years, he returned Paladin football to national prominence by guiding Furman to a 9-4 record and into NCAA I-AA playoff action. Over his final three campaigns (1999-01), Johnson guided Furman to a 30-9 record, three NCAA I-AA playoff appearances, two SoCon championships, and a 2001 NCAA I-AA national runner-up finish. Included in that run was a 24-17 triumph over Georgia Southern in 2001 that snapped the Eagles’ 39-game home winning streak and marked GSU’s first ever home-playoff loss (28 games). His awards include: 1996 AFCA Region II Coach of the Year, Southern Conference Coach of the Year, and 2001 AFCA Region II and NCAA I-AA National Coach of the Year. He recruited and coached two future NFL players (TE Luther Broughton and FS John Keith), as well as 14 All-Americans, including the school’s all-time leading rusher (Louis Ivory). Johnson holds a master’s degree from Furman. After his tenure at Furman, he became the head coach at Vanderbilt, where in 2008 he directed the Commodores to their first winning season and bowl appearance since 1982 and first bowl victory (16-14 win over Boston College in Music City Bowl) since 1955.

Rodney Johnson ‘03Football (1998-2002)Inducted 2015

Rodney Johnson was four-year letterman and three-year starter who suffered a season ending knee injury in the 16-3, season opening win over Elon in 2000. He applied for and was granted a fifth year of eligibility. He was a starter on two Southern Conference championship teams (1999 & '01) and Furman's 2001 NCAA I-AA national runner-up squad that posted a 13-2 mark. His strong play helped Furman defeat Georgia Southern, 24-17, in playoff semifinals in Statesboro, snapping GSU's 39-game home winning streak and string of 28 consecutive home playoff victories. The 1999 season included 28-3 victory over North Carolina. Johnson was elected team captain in 2002 and was named SoCon Defensive Player of the Week following 35-7 win over Chattanooga that secured a berth to the 2002 playoffs. He was a 2002 All-Southern Conference first team selection, recipient of Furman's 2002 Academic and Best Defensive Back Awards, and 2002 NACDA NCAA I-AA Academic All-Star. His career statistics include 137 tackles, six tackles-for-loss, two fumble recoveries, 15 pass deflections, and 10 interceptions. At the time of his election to the Hall of Fame, he ranked 11th on Furman's career interceptions ledger. He was a five-time Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll selection, 2002 CoSIDA Academic All-American (2nd Team), and three-time CoSIDA Academic All-District III.

C. Dan Joyner ‘59Cheerleading (1954-59)
Inducted 1986

C. Dan Joyner earned two block letters as head cheerleader. He was president of the student body and was selected as outstanding student in 1959. He was listed in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, made the Dean’s list, and was a member of the Blue Key and Quaternion Clubs. Joyner served on the Alumni Association Board for 8 years. He served as President of the Alumni Association for 2 years and was a chairman of the Loyalty Fund. He is the only person to serve as president of the Paladin Club for 3 terms. In 1967 he received the Alumni Achievement Award. Joyner also served on the Board Athletic Committee for 5 years. In addition to his service to Furman, Joyner became a prominent community fixture in the Greenville community until his death.

John Katona ‘72Baseball (1968-72)
Inducted 1990

At the time of his induction, John Katona held almost every Furman record for pitching including: single season strikeouts (109), shutouts (3), games won (10), earned run average (1.14), and won/los percentage (.833). He also held career marks in pitched (48), games started (30), innings pitched (316), strikeouts (312), shutouts (7), wins (29), and earned run average (1.65). He was a three-time All-Southern Conference selection (1970, ’71 and ’72).

Jack M. Kay ‘86Men’s Golf (1983-86)
Inducted 2000

Jack Kay was selected as a 1986 National Golf Coaches Association second team All-American. He was a top player on Furman’s 1986 NCAA Tournament team—the last Furman men’s squad to make the NCAA championships. Kay helped lead Paladins to four team tournament titles in 1986—the most by a Furman team in any year—and seven team tournament crowns in his four-year career. He won the 1986 Furman Intercollegiate individual title and held the tournament record with a three-round, 13-under total of 203. Kay helped pace the Paladin team to its first Furman Intercollegiate title with an 844 (-20) team score and 11 stroke victory over Wake Forest, the second place team. He was named All-Southern Conference in 1984 and 1986. He has ranked as high as fourth on Furman’s all-time career stroke average list with a 74.20 mark.

John M. Keith ‘00Football (1996-99)
Inducted 2005

As a safety, John Keith was a four-year letterman and three-year starter. He served as team co-captain in both 1998 & ’99. He was a two-time All-Southern Conference selection (1998 & ’99) and a consensus (Head Coaches & Media) 1999 SoCon Defensive Player of the Year pick. He was a 1999 consensus All-American selection (Associated Press, AFCA, Sports Network, and Walter Camp) and the 1999 Furman Paladin (MVP) Award recipient. Keith garnered Furman Male Athlete of the Year honors for the 1999-00 school year. He tallied 304 tackles and 11 interceptions in his career, including a school record 99-yard interception return in a 43-21 win over Chattanooga in 1997. He had a career high 19 tackles versus Clemson in 1998. Keith keyed Furman to a 9-3 record, SoCon championship, and #10 final national ranking in 1999 with a team-leading 116 tackles. He twice earned SoCon Player of the Week honors in 1999, including once following a 17-tackle effort in a 30-3 win over Wofford. He helped lead Furman to a 28-3 win over North Carolina his senior year. Keith was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round (14th pick, 108th overall selection) of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played four seasons of professional football after twice overcoming season-ending injuries.

Kevin David Kendrick ‘91Football (1987-91)
Inducted 2001

As a linebacker, Kevin Kendrick was a four-year letterman and three-year starter. He was a two-time first team All-Southern conference selection (1989 & ’90) and the 1990 Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He was a 1990 consensus first team All-American selection (Kodak, Associated Press, Sports Network, Walter Camp Foundation) and a two-time recipient of Furman’s Defensive Award as the top defensive player. Kendrick was a starter on three Southern Conference championship teams (1988, ’89, & ’90) and on the 1988 NCAA I-AA national championship squad that posted a school-best 13-2 record. The 1988 team led the nation in scoring defense (9.5 ppg). Kendrick helped Furman register a 34-8 record during his three-year tenure as a starter and 41-12 mark during his four-year career, the best four-year mark in program history. Kendrick served as co-captain of 1990 squad. He paced Furman in tackles in 1990 (179) and currently ranked second on Furman’s career tackles chart (574) at his induction.

Betsy King ‘77Women’s Golf (1974-77)
Inducted 1983

Betsy King was a key member of the Lady Paladin golf team, earning four letters. During her junior year, her 4th place finish helped her team win the National championship. She was also member of teams that earned two third-place and one fifth-place finish nationally. She later became a tour professional and was a major force in the development of annual Furman LPGA Pro-Am.

Desmond Kitchings ‘00Football (1996-99)
Inducted 2009

As a wide receiver and return specialist, Des Kitchings was a four-year letterman and three-year starter. He was a consensus All-Southern Conference selection as both a wide receiver and a return specialist in 1999. He earned Associated Press third team All-America honors in 1999 after averaging a school season record 36.8 yards on 13 returns, three of which he returned for touchdowns. Kitchings finished his career as Furman’s all-time leading receiver (112 rec., 1,808 yds, 11 TDs). He became the first wide receiver in school history to rush for 100 yards in a game (117, 2 TDs) in a 52-6 rout of William & Mary in 1999. He later caught touchdown passes covering 60 and 49 yards in a 28-3 win over North Carolina. Kitchings played a key role in Furman’s 9-3 SoCon championship season in 1999. He was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the seventh round (2nd pick, 208th overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft. He spent one season with the Chiefs before registering short stints with the New York Jets, St. Louis Rams, and Indianapolis Colts.

Robert B. King ‘37Football (1933-36)
Inducted 1981

Bob King was head football coach at Furman University from 1958 to 1972. He had previously been an assistant football coach for ends at the University of Illinois for 11 years. He is a member of the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame and was Southern Conference Media Coach of the Year (1970).

Jennifer Perri Kovach ‘02Women’s Golf (1999-02)
Inducted 2010

Jennifer Kovach ranks as the only player in the Southern Conference history to win league Player of the Year honor three times (2000, ’01, & ’02). She was a four-time All-Southern Conference selection and the 1999 SoCon Freshman of the Year. She was a 2001 NGCA All-America honorable mention. She was selected to the 2000 NCGA All-Scholar Team and earned NGCA All-East Region honors in 1999. Kovach claimed five tournament victories, including the 1999 NCAA East Regional, the 2000 Lady Gator Invitational, 2000 and ’01 Southern Conference Championships, and the 2001 Mason Rudolph. She helped Furman to four straight SoCon titles, four consecutive NCAA regional appearances, and a 1999 NCAA appearance. She tied with Betsy King, Beth Daniel, and Dottie Pepper for most career victories as a Lady Paladin with five. At the time of her induction, Kovach held the best career stroke average of any four-year player in Furman history (75.75). She carded four sub-70 rounds in her Furman career.

Robert E. “Bobby” Lamb ‘86Football (1981-85)
Inducted 1995

Bobby Lamb was a four-year letterman and served as captain on the 1985 team. His awards include: Team MVP (1985), All-Southern Conference (1984 and ’85), Southern Conference Player of the Year (1985), All-South Carolina (1985), South Carolina Offensive Player of the Year (1985), Carolina’s Male Amateur Athlete of the Year (1985), and Furman Athlete of the Year (1985). He has held or shared 12 Furman passing and total offense records—most passing yards per attempt (season/career), most yards total offense (season), most touchdown responsibilities (season/career), most consecutive completions (season), and highest passing efficiency rating (season/career). Lamb has also held or shared four Southern Conference records.

Bunk Laney was a four-year letterman in football and baseball. He earned All-State honors as a halfback and led the football team to four consecutive state championships. Laney later became high school coach in Lowell, N. C., and was a successful businessman. In addition, he served five years on the Alumni Association Board of Directors at Furman.

Billy LavalHonorary Inductee
Inducted 1981

Bill Laval was an American minor league baseball player, baseball manager, and college baseball, football, and basketball coach. He at one time was the only South Carolina football coach to have produced seven consecutive winning seasons. In 1915, Laval became the head football coach at Furman, in addition to his duties as baseball coach. He coached Furman football from 1916 to 1927 and compiled a 71–34–3 record. In 1920, Laval returned to the Greenville Spinners to serve as their manager during the baseball season. He coached at the University of South Carolina from 1928 to 1934 and compiled a 10–14–4 record. Laval later moved on to Emory and Henry College to serve as its head football, basketball, and baseball coach from 1936 to 1937. In 1938, returned to his home state to coach at Newberry College, where he compiled a record of 45–61–5 in 12 seasons as head football coach.

Jonathan Leathers ‘08Men’s Soccer (2004-07)Inducted 2015

A standout defender, Leathers was named 2006 and '07 Southern Conference Men's Soccer Player-of-the-Year and Furman Male Athlete-of-the-Year. He was a four-year letterwinner and three-time first team All-Southern Conference selection, earned 2007 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-America Second Team honors, and earned 2007 College Soccer News First Team honors. He also garnered NSCAA All-South Region first team accolades in 2006 and 2007 while earning third team honors in 2005. Leathers guided Furman to a 19-4-0 record, SoCon regular season title, SoCon Tournament title and NCAA second round appearance as a senior in 2007. He captured second team All-SoCon honors as a freshman in 2004 and was named to the 2007 SoCon Academic Honor Roll. After his collegiate career, he was selected in the second round (No. 25 overall) of the 2008 Major League Soccer SuperDraft by Sporting Kansas City. He played four years in MLS with Sporting Kansas City and Vancouver Whitecaps FC and also played with the United States National Team at the U-23 level.

R. E. Littlejohn ‘35Basketball and Baseball (1931-35)

Inducted 1982

R.E. Littlejohn was a member of the basketball and baseball teams at Furman. He later became a highly successful businessman. He was a co-owner of Spartanburg Phillies (1946-74). He showed unswerving devotion to Furman athletics and was greatly responsible for the construction of the Paladin Stadium. He was a major Furman donor and a recipient of the Alumni Service Award and the Bell Tower Award.

Fleetwood V. Loustalot, Jr.Track & Field (1961-65)
Inducted 2010

As a five-time letter winner, Fleetwood Loustalot was an outstanding member of the track team, participating in hurdles, relays, and sprinting events. He was a seven-time Southern Conference event champion who helped key Furman to four SoCon team championships (indoor & outdoor) in 1962 & 1963. Loustalot won SoCon titles in the 200-yard low hurdles and in the mile relay at the 1962 outdoor championships. He returned in 1963 to capture the 330-yard intermediate hurdles and mile relay. He won three events at the 1963 indoor championships, including the mile relay and the 70-yard low hurdles and high hurdles. He set three SoCon Meet records, including the 1963 mile relay mark of 3:17.00, which still stands as a school record.

Cordell Maddox served as the captain of the tennis team and was a State Collegiate Champion. He was also a member of the football team, playing center on offense and linebacker on defense for the Paladins. He made 15 individual tackles in Furman’s victory over Florida State (1953). He was the recipient of the Most Valuable Player award his senior year. Off the field, Maddox was president of his class and a member of the Blue Key club. He was a former president of Anderson College and Carson Newman.

Luther Maddox was a starter all four years on offense and defense on the football team (1933-37). He was a two-time selection for second team All-State in 1936 and 1937 and was an Honorable Mention All-Southern in 1936. He also played basketball at Furman from 1934-37 and was a member of the track team from 1934-37. In addition, he was Secretary of the Student Body (1938) and President of the Quaternion Club (1938). He served as President of the Charlotte Area Alumni Association in 1961. Maddox was a member of the Furman Advisory Council (1972-73) and was awarded the Furman Alumni Service Award (1976).

Doris B. MansfieldHonorary Inductee
Inducted 2008

Doris Mansfield has been a long-time contributor to Furman Athletics in many ways, beginning in the late 1970s, when she was recruited by Dick Sheridan to support Furman football. Together with husband Harry, she was one of the first two full-scholarship donors. She is the founder of the Furman Bowl-a-Thon, where she has worked tirelessly each year to raise sponsorship dollars totaling over $160,000. She has served numerous terms on the Paladin Club Board of Directors since the early 1990s and in 2011 was named Board Member Emerita. Mansfield served a two-year term as President of the Paladin Club Board of Directors, helping the Paladin Club set all-time fundraising records both years. She has been the most consistent volunteer for the Paladin Club, as she gladly takes the most important role or the very least visible task and does it with a smile.

Ingle Martin ‘06Football (2004-05)
Inducted 2012

Ingle Martin was a transfer from the University of Florida who was both a quarterback and a punter. He played and started in all 27 games in a brilliant two-year career, helping key Furman to a 21-6 overall record and 11-3 SoCon mark that included the 2004 Southern Conference championship. The squad went 10-3 (6-1 SoCon) in 2004 and came back to go 11-3 (5-2 SoCon) in 2005, earning NCAA I-AA (FCS) playoff berths both years. Martin passed for 2,792 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2004 and 2,959 yards and 20 scores in 2005 to finish his Paladin tenure as Furman’s all-time passing yards leader. He still has held or shared 16 school passing/total offense standards, including season (22) and career (42) touchdown passes, and season (3,193 yards) and career total offense (6,277 yards) marks, among many others. Martin owns four of the top 20 passing yard games in Furman history and five of the program’s top-20 total offense performances. He was the signal caller of a 2005 Paladin offense that averaged a school record 470.0 yards-per-game and statistically ranks as the best in school history by most every measure. He engineered one of the most memorable last-minute scoring drives in recent Paladin football history, directing Furman’s offense on a 9-play, 74-yard drive for a 9-yard touchdown strike on the game’s final play in a 37-35 road victory over Jacksonville State in the 2005 season opener. He was a consensus All-SoCon second team selection in balloting by league head coaches and media. Martin punted as a senior, averaging a SoCon-best 43.2 yards per attempt on the way to earning the first team All-SoCon honors in balloting by league head coaches and third team All-America accolades from The Sports Network. He is credited with a 70-yard punt vs. Nicholls State in 2004 first round playoff action. Martin was a three-time SoCon Offensive Player of the Week selection and the 2005 Furman Paladin (MVP) Award recipient. He was named Furman Male Athlete of the Year for the 2005-06 school year and was a two-time SoCon Academic Honor Roll pick. He has been the subject of sports front page feature story in the New York Times. Martin was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft and now coaches high school football in Tennessee.

Pepper Martin was a three-sport standout at Furman. He earned All-State honors as tailback in football and as a short shop in baseball. He also played guard on the basketball team. Martin batted just under .500 his junior season on the baseball team. He is also a member of the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame.

Jerry Martin ‘71Basketball and Baseball (1967-71)
Inducted 1982

Jerry Martin was an outstanding performer for the Paladins in basketball and baseball. He was selected to the All-Southern Conference Tournament first team in 1971 as he led the Paladins to their first conference championship. He pursued a professional baseball career after college and had an outstanding career with four major league teams.

Angel Myers Martino ‘90Swimming (1986-89)
Inducted 1997

Angel Martino was a four-year letter winner and a nine-time All-American in swimming for Furman. She was the 1986 NCAA Division II Swimmer of the Year. She was selected as a 1986 NCAA Division II All-American in four events—200 individual medley, 50 free, 100 fly, and 100 free. She was selected as a 1987 NCAA Division I All-American in two events—200 individual medley and the 100 free. Martino was selected as a 1989 NCAA Division I All-American in three events—200 individual medley, 200 fly, and 100 free. She was the 1986 and 1987 Furman Female Athlete of the Year. As a freshman in 1986, she won four NCAA Division II individual championships (and set three NCAA records) in helping Furman to a fourth place team finish. She finished fourth and eighth in two events to pace Furman to a 20th-place team finish at the 1987 NCAA Division I national championship—the school’s first year in Division I swimming. Martino finished her collegiate career two years later by claiming a national title in the 200 individual medley, as well as second and sixth place finishes in two other events. Martino captured four gold medals and a bronze medal and set a new American record in the 50m freestyle at the 1986 Goodwill Games in Moscow. Her gold medal in the 50m freestyle was the first earned by a participant at the inaugural Goodwill Games. She captured her first Olympic gold medal in the 400m free relay and also earned a bronze in the 50m free in Barcelona, Spain, in 1992. She won four gold medals at the 1995 Pan Am Games and was a double gold and bronze medalist at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Martino claimed gold medals in the 400m free relay and 400 individual medley and earned bronze medals in the 100m free and 100m fly. She gave her bronze medal from the 100m freestyle to a 19-year old Olympic volunteer and Georgia swimmer who has cancer. At age 29 Martino was the oldest Olympic gold medalist in United States women’s Olympic swimming history. She is the former American record holder in the 100m and 100m free. Martino is a seven-time U.S. national champion and is married to former Furman swimmer Mike Martino (’87). She received her B.A. in business administration.

Tom Mastny ‘03Baseball (2000-03)
Inducted 2008

As a right-handed pitcher, Tom Mastny was a four-year letterman and starting pitcher for the Paladins. He is the only All-America baseball player in school history. He was named to All-America squads by Baseball America (3rd team), Collegiate Baseball (3rd team), National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (2nd team), and College Baseball Insider.Com (1st team). He was tabbed Southern Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2003. Mastny posted a Furman season record and league-leading 11-2 record in 2003 with NCAA best 1.09 earned run average, helping Furman to a then school record 32 wins (32-24), included in which were victories over N.C. State, South Carolina and Clemson (twice). Their two victories over Clemson in 2003 were first by a Furman squad since 1960. Mastny completed his career with a 28-19 record, ranking him second in program history in wins (behind Furman Hall-of-Famer John Katona’s 29 victories). He was named SoCon Pitcher of the Week a school record of five times. He was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 11th round of the 2004 Major League Draft. He was later traded to the Cleveland Indians in December of 2004, and in four seasons of minor league ball compiled a 28-10 record with a 2.20 ERA. Mastny was called up to the major leagues in July of 2006 and, in 66 appearances for the Indians, posted a 7-3 record with five saves and a 4.86 ERA. He earned the victory in Cleveland’s 2007 ALCS game two triumph over Boston. He is only the fifth Furman baseball player to play in the major leagues and first to do so since Jerry Martin (1974-84).

Clyde Mayes ‘75Men’s Basketball (1971-75)
Inducted 1983

Clyde Mayes was selected for 8 different All-American teams in his senior year. He earned All-Conference honors three years, Conference Player of the Year two years, and Conference MVP two years. He was selected as the South Carolina Player of the Year in 1974 and the Conference Athlete of the Year in 1975. He was drafted by the NBA Milwaukee Bucks. Mayes is one of 4 Furman greats whose number is retired.

Trask McCarson ‘36Football (1932-1935)
Inducted 1983

Trask McCarson was a brilliant defensive tackle on a team called the “House of Magic.” He made All-State in his senior year as the Furman team won eight and lost one. He was a part of a defensive play instrumental in a season-ending victory over Clemson that clinched the State Championship.

Angus G. “Gib” McEachran ‘83Football (1979-82)
Inducted 1995

Gib McEachran was a four-year starter in both football and baseball. He was captain of both teams from 1982 to 1983. He led the football team in interceptions in 1979 and 1982 and was selected as the Furman Football Freshman of the Year in 1979. He was third in balloting for Southern Conference Freshman of the Year. McEachran started 40 consecutive football games during his career. He was an Honorable Mention All-America (1982) and earned first team All-Southern Conference honors (1982). He led the baseball team in stolen bases for three consecutive years and was second on the all-time stolen base list. He was named to the NCAA Top Ten stolen bases in 1981 and 1982. McEachran led the team in hitting, stolen bases, RBI and triples 1981 and led team in stolen bases, runs scored, and triples in 1982. He also led team in runs scored in 1983. At the time of his induction, he was Furman’s career leader in stolen base percentage, second in career triples, and seventh in career batting average.

Mary Neill Hagood McKie '05Women's Tennis (2002-05)Inducted 2013

McKie was a four-year letterwinner and seven-time All-Southern Conference selection, earning All-SoCon accolades for singles and doubles as a freshman, junior, and senior, as well as singles honors as a sophomore. She was named to the SoCon Academic Honor Roll four consecutive years while leading Furman to four SoCon regular season championships and to three league tournament crowns. McKie helped the team to a perfect 38-0 SoCon regular season record during her four seasons and played on teams that were a part of Paladins' 100 consecutive SoCon regular season match winning streak, a feat that has never been duplicated in any sport in league history. At the time of her induction, she held the Furman record for most career doubles wins with 75 and the standard for the Paladins' highest career doubles winning percentage at .798. She also ranked third among Furman career leaders with 138 singles and doubles combined victories and fifth with a .734 combined singles and doubles winning percentage. She teamed with Caroline Bentley for 22 doubles victories and a .957 doubles team winning percentage her senior season, setting a Paladin single-season record in both categories. McKie was honored with the Southeast Region Arthur Ashe Sportsmanship Award her junior season and was a three-time ITA All-Academic Team selection. She was chosen to the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team her junior and senior seasons and in 2005 was the recipient of Furman Student-Athlete of the Year and Elizabeth Blackwell Academic Awards. She was named SoCon Female Athlete of the Year her senior year and named SoCon Player of the Year as a junior and senior.

A.P. “Dizzy” McLeod ‘22Football (1917-21)
Inducted 1981

Dizzy McLeod was an outstanding football player for Furman and eventual head coach. He was a two-time All-State selection as a back and played on a pair of Furman state championship teams in 1920 and 1921. He served as team captain in 1922. As a sophomore, he starred on a Furman squad that defeated Clemson, 14-0, for the school’s first win over the Tigers in football. Following graduation in 1922, McLeod accepted his first coaching assignment as an assistant on the staff of his former head coach, W.L. Laval. In 1928, McLeod assumed the position of head basketball coach and, over the next five seasons, directed Furman to a 69-17 record — the winningest mark ever recorded by a Paladin basketball coach. Later, after taking over the football head coaching reins in 1932, he directed several outstanding Furman squads, including the 1935 “House of Magic” team that went 8-1 and outscored its opposition 232-44. McLeod’s 1936 team posted a 7-2 mark and claimed the last of Furman’s eight state championships with a 12-0 win over Clemson—a decision that still stands as the school’s last victory over the Tigers in football. McLeod was the first person to receive the school’s prestigious Bell Tower Award in 1968. He was for years a citrus grower in and around Silver Springs and Ocala, Florida. He is also a member of South Carolina’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Milton E. McManaway ‘21Football (1917-21)
Inducted 1986

Called by Scoop Latimer “one of two best quarterbacks in the South,” Milton McManaway served as captain of the 1921 team. He earned All-Southern honors in 1920. He was called by the Greenville News “the best quarterback in the state.” He was a star on defense and was noted for his ability to intercept and break up forward passes. McManaway was one of the best punters in the state, as he never had one blocked in three years. A native of Greenville, he coined the term “Purple Hurricane.” In the final 1921 game against Davidson, he punted twice for over 60 yards and had a run of 28 yards. He later coached high school football before becoming a successful attorney in Chicago.

James R. “Preacher” McQueen ‘48Football (1944-1947)
Inducted 1983

A true leader, McQueen was elected captain of the Purple Hurricanes his senior year. He was an outstanding tackle, making All-State in 1947. He served as the Block “F” Club President and was a loyal Furman supporter.

William Middleton '08Football (2005-08)Inducted 2017

William Middleton was four-year letterman and three-year starter at defensive back for Furman football. Middleton also served as a return specialist, pacing Furman in kickoff returns in 2005-06 and made a school-record-tying 100-yard kickoff return in a 35-21 win at Wofford in 2006. Middleton was a member of two FCS playoff teams (2005 & 2006) and led the Furman team with three interceptions in 2007. He served a team captain his senior year and was named the 2008-09 Furman Male Athlete of the Year. He was a consensus first team All-Southern Conference selection and first team FCS All-America pick by AFCA and Sports Network in 2008. Middleton totaled 194 tackles, seven interceptions, and four fumble recoveries in his career. He ranks sixth on Furman’s all-time passes defended list with 33. He was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round (2nd pick, 125th overall selection) in the 2009 NFL Draft, making him Furman’s highest draft choice since 2000.

Jonathan C. Moore ‘80Basketball (1976-80)
Inducted 1985

Jonathan Moore was the all-time leading rebounder at Furman at the time of his induction. He started every game in his four-year career and was selected to the first team All-Southern Conference each year. He was the 1979 recipient of the conference Player of the Year award. He was a Citizens Savings All-American and was invited to 1979 Pan Am Trials. He was the second leading scorer in Furman history with 2,299 career points.

Joshua Brian Moore ‘01Football (1997-00)
Inducted 2006

As an offensive tackle, Josh Moore was a four-year letterman and a three-year starter. In 2000, he was selected as a Sports Network, Walter Camp Foundation, and Football Gazette first team All-American. He was the recipient of the 2000 Southern Conference Jacobs Blocking Award. Moore was a two-time first team All-SoCon selection (1999 & ’00) and was selected to play in 2001 Rotary Gridiron Classic. He served as co-captain of 2000 Furman team, keying the Paladins to a 9-3 record and second-straight NCAA I-AA playoff berth. Moore helped clear the way for tailback Louis Ivory, who led NCAA I-AA in rushing in 2000 with 2,079 yards en route to capturing the Walter Peyton Award (I-AA football’s most prestigious award). He was a major reason that Furman set a school single-season rushing standard in 2000 (307.4 ypg). Moore also played a key role in Furman going 9-3 in 1999, winning the SoCon championship, and advancing to NCAA I-AA playoffs. He was also a starter on the 1999 squad that defeated North Carolina (28-3). He signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2001. Moore played the 2002 season for NFL Europe’s Rhein Fire and was re-signed by Philadelphia 2003 before being cut just prior to start of season.

Frank Everett Moses ‘79Football (1974-77)
Inducted 2006

As a nose-guard, Frank Moses was a four-year letterman and four-year starter. He was a 1977 All-Southern Conference and Furman Best Defensive Lineman selection. Moses led Furman in tackles as a sophomore with 147 stops and as a senior with 163 tackles—the highest season total ever by a Furman down lineman. He totaled more career tackles (360) than any other down lineman in program history. His career tackles mark ranked 11th all-time at Furman at the time of his induction. Moses had a career high 18 stops against Tennessee Tech in 1975, his sophomore year. Despite playing with a compound dislocated thumb suffered in the third quarter, he had a career high 17 stops in helping Furman to a 17-12 win over N.C. State in 1976. Moses played a major role in Furman leading the SoCon in rushing and scoring defense in 1974 and in total defense in both 1974 and ’75.

Raymond Newsom ‘65Honorary InducteeInducted 2015

A 1965 Furman graduate and former president of the Paladin Club, Newsom has served and supported Furman University for more than 50 years. He has led fundraising efforts for key projects, including the building of Paladin Stadium and Timmons Arena, and his efforts as president of the Paladin Club helped the organization top $1,000,000 in donations for the first time. Newsom spearheaded efforts to raise over $1,000,000 for the Furman basketball program in recent years and has served the University on the Advisory Council for three consecutive three-year terms. In addition, he lettered in baseball and was a member of Furman's 1965 NCAA regional squad.

Derek Norman '04Baseball 2001-2004
Inducted 2016

Norman was a multi-position standout for Furman's baseball program, playing catcher, third base, and shortstop over a brilliant four-year career that featured some of the most noteworthy team success in school history. He was named 2001 SoCon Freshman of the Year after batting .362 and helping Furman to its first 30-win season, including triumphs over Kentucky, Indiana, and nationally fifth-ranked South Carolina. As a junior he played a pivotal role in Furman winning a then-program best 32 games, highlighted by a triumph over N.C. State and victories over three nationally-ranked teams — South Carolina and Clemson, which the Paladins defeated twice for Furman's first season sweep of the Tigers since 1960. The Knoxville, Tenn., native went on to garner all-conference honors at both third base and catcher, and over a decade later still holds nine school records, among which are most games played (260), consecutive starts (216), hits (288), and runs scored (190).

John Barry Nusum ‘04Men’s Soccer (1998-2001)
Inducted 2008

As a forward, Nusum was Furman’s all-time leader in career goals (61), single season points (48) and career goals (161) as of the date of his induction. He ranked second in Southern Conference history in career points behind NCAA’s all-time leader Thompson Usiyan of Appalachian State. He was a three-time first team NSCAA All-American and was selected to the 2001 College Soccer News All-America first team, as well as 2000 and 2001 College Soccer Online All-America first teams. He was a 2001 finalist for the Mac Hermann Award, which is given annually to the nation’s top collegiate soccer player. He guided Furman to four SoCon regular season titles, three SoCon Tournament titles, and three NCAA Tournament appearances. Nusum led the Paladins to a school-best NCAA quarterfinal appearance and Soccer America #3 final national ranking in 1999 as Furman posted a 21-2-1 record and defeated Radford, North Carolina, and Wake Forest before falling to UConn. He was a four-time first team NSCAA All-South Region pick and a four-time All-SoCon pick, including first team honors in 1999, 2000 and 2001. He was the 2001 Furman Male Athlete of the Year and SoCon Player of the Year and the 2000 SoCon Tournament MVP. Nusum notched five career hat tricks while matching the school record with four goals versus Appalachian State. He helped Furman to a 71-15-5 overall record and 31-1-0 SoCon record during his four-year career. Nusum was a part of Furman’s NCAA record streak of 46 consecutive conference matches without a defeat from 1999-03. He was drafted by Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew in the third round of 2002 MLS Draft. He played professionally with the Virginia Beach Mariners, the Atlanta Silverbacks, and the Toronto Lynx of the United Soccer League. Nusum also played in the Major Indoor Soccer League with the Philadelphia Kixx and led the team in points in 2007. He earned MISL Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie Team honors in 2004-05. Nusum scored seven goals for Bermuda during qualifying for the 2006 World Cup to rank second in goals in the CONCACAF Region (Central America, North America and the Caribbean). The Devonshire native was named the 2004 Bermuda Male Athlete of the Year.

Dennis Patterson was an outstanding member of Furman’s track team. He was Carolina’s AAU Mile Champion in 1963 and earned multiple All-Southern Conference Cross Country honors (1961, ’62, ’63). He was the Southern Conference Champion two years and the South Carolina State Cross Country champion three consecutive years. Patterson was the indoor track Southern Conference champion in the mile and two-mile events. He was the South Carolina Collegiate Mile champion three consecutive years. Following graduation, Patterson became an outstanding high school track coach at T.L. Hanna High School. He also served as the athletic director at Liberty High School. Patterson later served as referee for Furman’s News Piedmont relays for many years during his time after graduation.

Dottie Pepper ‘87Women’s Golf (1983-87)
Inducted 1992

Dottie Pepper was a three-time NCAA All-American (1985, ’86, ’87) and was twice named the Furman Female Athlete of the Year. She finished second in the NCAA Championships in 1985, fourth in 1987, fifth in 1984, and seventeenth in 1986. She was the winner of five intercollegiate championships. Pepper was a member of the Junior World Cup team in 1981 and participated as a Low Amateur in the U.S. Women’s Open (1982). She was named the South Carolina Professional Female Athlete of the Year in 1991. Pepper is the winner of five LPGA tournaments and one major tournament, the Nabisco Dinah Shore.

Vince J. Perone, Jr. ‘54Football (1950-53)
Inducted 1982

Vince Perone, Jr., was a football standout, serving as a co-captain of the football team in 1953. He was All-State and All-Southern as a guard. He became a highly successful restaurateur in Greenville and showed unswerving devotion to Furman athletics throughout his life. Perone was also a leader in the construction of Paladin Stadium.

Vince J. Perone III, ‘75Football (1971-74)
Inducted 1986

Vince Perone III was an outstanding defensive back while at Furman. He was named All-State and All-Conference (1972, ’73 and ’74) and was Furman’s Most Valuable Player in 1974. He had the longest kick-off return (103 yards) and most season and career interceptions (10 and 16). He also had the most season career and game kickoff return yardage, as well as the most career kickoff returns. He earned All-American honors in 1974. Perone started every game and played every quarter from the time he was eligible.

Kim Piersol ‘69Track & Field (1966-69)
Inducted 1983

Kim Piersol was Furman’s first NCAA All-American in track. He was a multiple-event performer with the triple jump as his best event. He set the conference record in 1969 and won the conference title in the triple jump four times. Piersol also set the Furman outdoor record of 51 feet 7 inches (1969).

Robert V. “Bobby” Pinson ‘61Men’s Basketball (1957-61)
Inducted 1992

Bob Pinson played basketball at Furman, starting 101 games in four seasons and served as captain of the 1961 squad. He received two All-State Honorable Mentions (1959, ’61) and was ranked 22nd in nation in field goal percent shooting in 1960. He was voted Senior Basketball Player of the Year in 1961. Pinson scored 953 points during his career and received the “Outstanding Athlete and Scholar” award from the Paladin Club in 1961. Off the field, Pinson received the Maxwell B. Thurman Award for Outstanding Furman Cadet at ROTC Camp. After graduation, he served two terms on the Furman Alumni Board and also served on the Furman Parent’s Council (1986-88). He established the Lyles Alley scholarship and the Pinson Family scholarship. He was a Heritage Society member and served as the National Chairman of Furman Loyalty Fund. He serves on the Furman Admissions Network and was Co-Chairman of 25th Reunion with wife Dixie. Pinson served as Class Agent (1984-85) and as Co-Chairman of the Furman Campaign for Greenville/Spartanburg County (1982).

John L. Plyler ‘13Honorary Inductee
Inducted 1987

John Plyler served as Furman President from 1938 through 1964. The Board of Trustees in 1938, under his leadership avoided the question of eliminating football, and the program continued on a competitive basis. He was a baseball pitcher and an avid supporter of Furman’s baseball team.

Dewey Proctor was an outstanding football and baseball star at Furman. He captained Dizzy McLeod’s last football team at Furman his senior season. While in the Navy, he played on the Great Lakes team under legendary Paul Brown and on Bainbridge Naval Service teams. He last played pro football with New York Yankees and Chicago Rockets. He was nicknamed “Bull” for his rough-and-tumble style of play.

George Pruitt was a four-year letterman in football and golf and a three-year letterman in basketball. He was the starting quarterback for the Furman team that posted a 14-7 win over South Carolina in 1949—the last win by a Paladin squad over USC until 1982. He was team captain and named team MVP his senior year. He passed for 314 yards and three touchdowns in 1949. In basketball, he was a member of Furman teams that posted victories over Clemson, South Carolina, Wake Forest, Georgia, and Georgia Tech. Pruitt was also the 1966 runner-up in South Carolina State Golf championship. His son, Dillard Pruitt, was an All-American golfer at Clemson and member of PGA Tour. His son-in-law is multiple PGA Tour winner Jay Haas.

Whitey Rawl was a four-sport star standout. As football quarterback, he led Furman to three state championships and a 23-5-1 record. He earned All-State and All-Southern honors and was nominated for All-American honors. During Rawl’s career, Furman never lost to another state school. Rawl also played baseball and basketball and ran track. He later coached at the University of South Carolina and became a distinguished civic leader in Columbia.

W. Eugene Reeder ‘86Football and Track (1982-85)
Inducted 1999

As a center, Gene Reeder was a four-year letterman and a three-year starter. He was a two-time All-Southern Conference selection and 1985 all-state pick. He was a 1985 Associated Press All-America first team honoree and the 1985 Southern Conference Jacobs Blocking Award recipient. He was twice named Furman’s Best Offensive Lineman (1984 & ’85). Reeder was also the recipient of the 1984 Furman Iron Horse Award. He was a member of three Southern Conference championship teams (1982, ’83 & ’85) and served as a co-captain of the 1985 squad that posted a 12-2 record and finished as NCAA I-AA national runner-up. He was the top lineman on a Furman offensive unit that was the most productive in school history with 520 points and 457.4 ypg. He helped key Furman to back-to-back wins over N.C. State in 1984 &’85. He was also a four-year letterman in track. He was a two-time All-Southern Conference honoree who won a conference championship in the discus in 1983 and finished second in 1984.

Richardson is one of the most outstanding woman’s tennis players in Furman’s history. She was the South Carolina State champion four years in a row (the only time that has ever been done), and her singles record was 68-5. She was a South Carolina AIAW All-State team member and was the South Carolina AIAW State number one on the Doubles Team. She was the Region II Singles Champion (S.C., N.C., Tenn., Ga., Va.), as well. Richardson was a co-recipient of the Women’s Athletic Department’s first “Woman’s Scholar Athlete of the Year” award in 1977. She went on to become the head women’s tennis coach at the University of Tennessee and had a 53-17 record there. She achieved UT’s first top-twenty ranking and sent players every year to the AIAW Nationals.

Penny Richardson was a basketball and baseball standout at Furman. He was also arguably Furman’s greatest football fan as he attended every home game since 1927—including all games played in Sirrine Stadium. He was a civic leader in Simpsonville, serving 18 years on the City Council and 12 years as mayor. He received the Community Leader of America award for civic service and was honored by Furman as a Distinguished Alumnus.

Chuck Rohe
Track & Field Head Coach (1957-62)
Inducted 2011

Chuck Rohe served as coach of Furman’s cross country/track & field program for five years. He led the Paladins to the school’s first Southern Conference Championship in any sport in 1961 when the men’s indoor track and field team won the league title at the championship meet. He directed Furman to SoCon indoor track championships in 1961 and 1962, a cross country championship in 1961, and an outdoor championship in 1962. He led Furman to a sweep in the SoCon Championships in1961-62, when Furman won the league championship in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track. Furman athletes won 14 SoCon indoor individual event titles and 17 SoCon outdoor event titles (16 individual, one relay) in his five seasons at the helm of the Paladin Program. Rohe left Furman to become head coach at the University of Tennessee, where he coached from 1963-71. He led the Vols to 21 straight cross country and track & field SEC Championships and had six top-10 NCAA Championship finishes. He coached three NCAA individual champions, 53 SEC indoor event champions, and 49 SEC outdoor event champions. Rohe was named the 1967 NCAA National Coach of the Year. He served as a representative on the United States Olympic Committee from 1968-1976 and was named the head football recruiter in 1965 by Doug Dickey. He recruited athletes that posted the nation’s best seven-year record and appeared in seven consecutive bowl games. He was the architect of the nexus between track and football that helped the Vols succeed in both sports. He began a 20-year tenure with Florida Citrus Sports in June 1982. Rohe helped the Florida Citrus Bowl take major steps in growth and prestige, such as corporate sponsorships from the Florida Department of Citrus and CompUSA, a New Year’s Day date with ABC Sports, the expansion of the Florida Citrus Bowl into a 70,000 seat, world-class facility, a national championship game, and an agreement matching the Big 10 runner-up or co-champion with the best team in the SEC not playing in the Bowl Championship series. He remains a consultant to the Florida Citrus Sports Association and serves as the National Director of the Nike Football Coach of the Year Clinics. He was named to the USTFCCCA (United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association) Hall of Fame in 2009. Rohe is regarded as the “father” of track and field in the South. He began his coaching career at Hattiesburg (Miss.) High School, directing both the junior high basketball team and high school track teams to state championships before coming to Furman. View acceptance speech.

Cleo Roper was captain of the basketball team his senior year and was also the alternate captain of the football team. He was named All-State in football in 1934 and was also the highest scorer for the basketball team that same year. He was elected vice president of the senior class and was a member of the student council. Dizzy McLeod commented that Roper and Bob King were the best ends he had ever coached.

Elizabeth Bielefeld Rowe ‘98Women’s Soccer (1994-97)
Inducted 2004

As a defender, Liz Rowe was a four-year letter winner and a four-year starter. She was a charter member of Furman’s women’s soccer program. She was a four-time first team All-Southern Conference selection. Her awards include: 1994 Southern Conference All-Tournament Team pick, team MVP award in 1995, the 1995 Southern Conference Player of the Year, and a 1997 NSCAA and Soccer Buzz All-Southeast Region third team selection (first all-region player in Furman history). She led the 1997 squad in scoring with nine goals and seven assists for 25 points. Rowe scored 19 goals and recorded 22 assists over her career for 60 points, which ranks eighth all-time despite spending most of her career as a defender. She was instrumental in leading the Lady Paladin program from a 4-14 inaugural season to a 12-6-2 record in 1997 and SoCon regular season title in 1995. She played in and started all 78 Furman matches during her four-year career.

Orlando B. Ruff ‘99Football (1995-98)
Inducted 2004

As a linebacker, Orlando Ruff was a four-year letterman and starter. He was a three-time All-Southern Conference honoree and the recipient of the 1998 Greenville Touchdown Club Banks McFadden South Carolina Player of the Year Award. He earned 1998 American Football Coaches Association All-America honors and became the first Furman Paladin ever selected to play in the Hula Bowl. Ruff started at linebacker on the winning South squad in that contest. He also started and helped lead the South team to a victory in the Blue-Gray All-Star Classic, thereby becoming only the sixth Paladin to play in the annual all-star contest. Ruff was selected from all participants as the recipient of the Blue-Gray All-Star Classic’s Community Service Award. At the time of his induction, Ruff ranked as Furman’s fourth all-time leading tackler with 469 stops. He saw action in 44 consecutive games before being sidelined with a knee injury in the final two contests of the 1998 season. He had a career high 24 tackles in 28-7 win over Wofford in 1997. Ruff registered a team leading 145 tackles in 1996, his sophomore season, in helping Furman to a 9-4 record and NCAA I-AA quarterfinal finish.

Peter Santora ‘98Men’s Soccer (1994-97)
Inducted 2003

As a defender, Pete Santora was a four-year letter winner and starter. He was a first team NSCAA All-America selection in 1996 and in ’97 (was the first 1st team All-America in Furman soccer history). He was selected as the Southern Conference Player of the Year in 1997. He was also a NSCAA All-South Region selection in 1995 (3rd team), ’96 (1st team), and ’97 (1st team). Santora was a participant in the 1997 Umbro Select All-Star Game and was a three-time all-conference selection—1994, 1996, 1997. He was named to the SoCon All-Tournament Team in 1995 and was a two-time SoCon Academic Honor Roll member. He scored 12 goals and recorded nine assists for 33 points over his career as a defender. His team posted three conference regular season and three tournament championships during his tenure, including wins over Louisville, Clemson, South Carolina, Florida International, Wake Forest and Vanderbilt. The 1996 squad finished season ranked 16th in the nation and the 1997 team finished 19th nationally. Following graduation, Santora played two seasons of professional A-League soccer with the Albuquerque Ghekos and Jacksonville Cyclones.

Jimmy SatterfieldFootball (Coach)Inducted 2015

One of the original "Baker Boys" who came to Furman in 1973 with head coach Art Baker, Jimmy Satterfield, a native of Lancaster, S.C., and 1962 graduate of the University of South Carolina, spent 21 seasons at Furman in the role of assistant coach, offensive coordinator, and head coach. As head coach (1986-93), he posted an outstanding 66-29-3 record (.689/2nd in FU history) and directed Furman to three Southern Conference championships (1988, '89, '90), as well as the 1988 NCAA I-AA (FCS) national championship (the first by a SoCon school and first by a private school), for which he was named Kodak and Chevrolet National Coach of the Year. The former Paladin mentor returned to the coaching ranks in 1996 when he accepted the athletic director and head coaching positions at Lexington (S.C.) High School. It was in Columbia, S.C., in 1962 that Satterfield got his start in coaching as an assistant at Eau Claire High School, where he worked alongside Baker and Dick Sheridan. After spending nine seasons at Eau Claire (1962-70), including the last three as head coach, where he went 30-4-1, he moved to nearby Irmo, where he served as head coach for two seasons and posted a 19-4 record before coming to Furman. During his 21-tenure with the Paladins, Furman claimed nine of its now 13 SoCon championships and produced 18 winning seasons. Satterfield was inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in May, 2015.

During his tenure Scarpa served as Assistant Basketball Coach, Soccer Coach, and Head Tennis Coach. His overall head coaching mark of 589-336 ranks as the nation’s second best in victories. He coached several All-Americans and was inducted into the South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame in 1985. His 30 years of experience marked the third longest tenure among collegiate head coaches and his .634 winning percentage ranks among the best in the country. He directed Furman to its first Southern Conference tennis championship in 1969. His tennis teams were Southern Conference tennis champions eleven times. Scarpa was named Southern Conference Coach of the Year four times and the South Carolina Coach of the Year in 1990. He developed a scoring format called the dual match scoring system adopted by the NCAA in 1993.

Sam Schroerlucke ‘98Men’s Tennis (1995-98)
Inducted 2004

Sam Schroerlucke was a four-year letter winner and a four-year starter on Furman’s tennis team playing number 1 singles andnumber 1 doubles. He was a four-time All-Southern Conference selection in singles and doubles. He was the 1995 and ’97 SoCon number 1 singles champion. Schroerlucke was tabbed the 1995 Southern Conference Freshman of the Year and was voted the 1995 and ’97 Southern Conference Tournament MVP. He teamed with Adam Abney to earn the 1996 & ’97 SoCon number 1 doubles titles. He keyed Furman to a 1997 SoCon Tournament championship and 1998 SoCon regular season crown. He was the recipient of the 1996 Furman University Male Athlete of the Year and was also the recipient of the 1995 & ’96 SoCon Buddy Hartsell Sportsmanship Awards. He was selected as the 1998 Southern Conference Player of the Year. Schroerlucke also received a bid to the 1998 NCAA singles championship (only one of four players in Furman history). He finished with a 20-6 record his senior year in 1998 and a national ITA ranking of 57. He was the recipient of the 1998 Furman University Student-Athlete Achievement Award.

June Scott was an outstanding student and athlete. He earned All-State and All-North and South Carolina honors 3 years in football. He was the co-captain and team MVP in 1937. In addition, he was the captain of the baseball team in 1938. Scott batted .333 and played center field. He is still recognized as one of the greatest running backs in Furman Football history.

David H. Segal ‘63Men’s Track & Field (1961-63)
Inducted 2008

David Segal’s track events included sprints, hurdles, relays. He is Furman’s most decorated track & field performer of the modern era (1954-present) and is a two-time Olympian. He notched nine Southern Conference individual event championships, keying Furman to five league team championships—1961 (Indoor), 1962 (Indoor & Outdoor), and 1963 (Indoor & Outdoor). He won four event championships in 1961, including the 60-yard dash, 60-yard low hurdles, 100-yard dash, and 220-yard dash. He came back in 1962 to capture the 60-yard and 220-yard events. As a senior in 1963, he won the 60-yard dash, 100-yard dash, and 220-yard dash. Segal was also a member of Furman’s 1963 mile relay championship unit. He still holds Furman school records in the 60-yard dash (6.2, set in 1962) and mile relay (3:17.0 in 1963). He competed in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia, and in the 1960 Olympics in Rome, Italy, where he won a bronze medal for his native England in the 4x1000 meter relay (40.2). He was a silver medalist in both the 200 meters (21.3) and 4x100 meters (40.4) at the 1958 European Championships in Stockholm, Sweden. Segal set British records in the 200 meters (21.0) and 60-yard indoor (6.2) and was a member of the winning 4x110-yard relay team at the 1958 Commonwealth Games. He is a two-time British champion in the 220-yard spring (1957 & 1958).

Frank D. Selvy ‘54Men’s Basketball (1951-54)
Inducted 1981

Frank Selvy is most remembered for scoring 100 points against Newberry, the record for the most points in a Division I college basketball game by taking 66 shots and making 41, including one at the buzzer. The most prolific scorer of his generation, Selvy twice led the nation in scoring and set a record of 41.7 points per game (1953-54). Selvy was drafted first overall by the Baltimore Bullets in the 1954 NBA Draft. He went on to play nine seasons in the National Basketball Association during the late 1950s and early 1960s, interrupted by a three-year stint in the U.S. Army. As a professional, Selvy is mostly known for his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, teaming with Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. He was twice an NBA All-Star.

Coach Sheridan had an overall record of 69-23-2 and a 0.744 winning percentage (the highest in school history). He won six Southern Conference championships and was a two-time recipient of the South Carolina Coach of the Year (South Carolina Sportswriters Association) in 1980 and 1985. He was the Southern Conference Coach of the Year three times (1978, ’80 & ’82). He directed Furman to its first Southern Conference football championship in 1978 and coached Furman teams to three NCAA playoffs and finished runner-up in the 1985 NCAA Division 1-AA Championship game. He was the NCAA I-AA National Coach of the Year in 1985.

Rhoten N. Shetley ‘40Football (1936-39)
Inducted 1982

Known as the “Football Iron Man,” Rhoten Shetley was an All-State and All-Southern performer in football. He was involved in every touchdown Furman scored in 1939. He was also a member of the baseball team. He later played professional football with Brooklyn Dodgers and became a successful Greenville attorney. He is a member of the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame.

Jack Shivers was an outstanding lineman for the Purple Hurricanes. He won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy for South Carolina in 1935. He was an All-State selection for two years. Shivers also played basketball and baseball.

Ray Siminski ‘59Football (1955-58)
Inducted 2002

As an end, Siminski was a three-year letterman and a two-year starter. He earned first team All-Southern Conference and All-South Carolina honors in 1958 after leading the league in receiving (35 rec., 568 yards, 5 TDs). His receiving mark has ranked as high as 10th best in school history. Siminski played three years with Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League.

George W. Singleton ‘84Men’s Basketball (1980-84)
Inducted 1995

George Singleton was a four-year letterman in basketball. He was the Southern Conference Freshman of the Year and was named to the Southern Conference All-Freshman team in 1981. He set a Furman record in season field goal percentage in 1984 and ranked second in all-time in career field goal percentage at the time of his induction. Singleton led the team in field goal percentage (1981-84) as well as free throw percentage (1983, ’84). He was an Honorable Mention All-America selection in 1982, earned All-Southern Conference honors (1982, ’83 & ’84), and was a member of the All-Southern Conference Tournament team (1984). He was the season rebounding leader (1981-84), the fifth all-time rebounder, the season blocked shot leader (1981-84), and the all-time career blocked shot leader. Singleton has ranked eighth on the all-time scoring list and is the all-time blocked shot leader (1981). He was the Furman season scoring leader (1983, ’84) and was selected to the South Team-National Sports Festival (1982).

Gaffney Smith was captain and earned All-State honors in football his senior year. He earned four letters in football and three in track. He set state and S.I.A.A. records for the javelin. He was a loyal follower of Furman’s athletic programs through the years.

Jerry K. Smith ‘63Men’s Basketball (1959-63)
Inducted 1988

Jerry Smith was a first team All-State selection (1961, ’62 & ’63) and an All-Southern Conference first team selection (1961, ’62 & ’63). He was selected to the All-American second team Helms Foundation (1962) and was the 1961 Poinsettia Classic MVP. He ranked fourth in school history with 1,885 career points and is one of four Furman greats whose jersey has been retired.

Robert Smith was a three-sport standout in football, baseball and basketball. He captained the football and basketball teams his senior year. He was a two-time All-State performer in both football and basketball. He became the head basketball coach at Furman (1936-42) and later served as the head football coach (1946-47). He later became athletic director and also coached at Clemson University.

Timothy L. Sorrells ‘81Football (1977-81)
Inducted 2001

As a quarterback, Tim Sorrells was a four-year letterman. He started for two-plus seasons (1979-81). He earned All-Southern Conference second team honors in 1980 and first team accolades in ’81. Sorrells helped direct Furman to back-to-back conference championships in 1980 and ’81, posting 9-1-1 and 8-3 records, respectively. The Paladins went 20-5-1 during his tenure as a starter. He served as team co-captain in 1981 and was a two-time Paladin (MVP) Award recipient (1980 & ’81). Sorrells ranked fourth on Furman’s career passing charts in passing touchdowns (31), 10th in passing yards (2,945), 11th in total offense (3,661), and eighth in career touchdown responsibilities (40). He served as a graduate assistant coach in 1982, assisting the Paladins in a drive to their third straight league title. He returned to Furman in 1986 as a full-time assistant and still remains at Furman today. During his tenure as an assistant, Furman has won additional league championships and a national title (1988). He was the position coach of Furman Hall-of-Fame inductees Frankie DeBusk and Carl Tremble and 2000 Walter Payton Award winner Louis Ivory.

Debbie SouthernWomen's Tennis Head Coach (1985-Present)Inducted 2013

Southern is the winningest women's tennis coach in Furman history with 435 victories at the time of her induction. She helped the Paladins put together a SoCon regular-season winning streak of 100 straight matches from 1998-2010 — the longest run of success in league history in any sport. She has led the Paladins to 17 Southern Conference regular season crowns, 16 SoCon Tournament titles, and nine NCAA Tournament appearances…has earned 13 SoCon Coach-of-the Year Awards. Southern was inducted, along with parents, into the ITA Women's Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame in 2012. She was also named to the South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame in 2004. She also earned the Furman J. Lyles Alley Coach of the Year in 1998, 2002, 2006, and 2007. Southen coached 2009 ITA All-American Laura Gioia and has coached 156 All-SoCon selections, 138 SoCon Honor Roll Members, 51 SoCon singles champions, and 21 SoCon doubles champions. At her induction, she held a .917 SoCon winning percentage (209-19). In 2000, she became the first person to earn the South Carolina Tennis Association Coach-of-the-Year award on two separate occasions (1991 & 2000).

James H. Speer ‘21Inducted 1981

Julie Glasser Stebbins ‘97
Softball (1994-97)
Inducted 2002

As a catcher, Julie Stebbins was a four-year letter winner. She was a three-time Southern Conference Player of the Year and a two-time NFCA (National Fast pitch Coaches Association) Academic Scholar-Athlete. She was a two-time GTE Academic All-District and All-American selection and a two-time recipient of the team MVP award. She was a two-time All-South Region selection and a three-time selection for the All-Southern Conference Tournament Team. Stebbins was a four-time Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll member and was the 1997 Edna Hartness Female Athlete of the Year. In addition, she was the 1997 Furman Student Athlete Achievement Award winner. Stebbins has held school records for plate appearances (792), at bats (695), runs (158), hits (266) and home runs (25). She ranked second in RBI (136), doubles (58), triples (19), walks (89) and batting average (.398) and also ranked fifth in total putouts (893).

Lloyd Stewart was a three-sport star. He earned All-State honors in football (1930) and was the 1930 MVP of the Purple Hurricanes. He also played baseball and basketball and was named the best athlete in his senior class. He later coached freshman football and varsity basketball at Furman. Stewart also served as head basketball coach at University of Maryland.

Paul M. Stombaugh ‘49Football (1945-49)
Inducted 1987

Paul Stombaugh was a tailback and punter for Furman. He was particularly outstanding in the Furman loss to South Carolina 7-0 (1949) and then in the loss to Richmond by the same score. He averaged 47.6 yards per kick. Stombaugh played for a short time with the Baltimore Colts. He retired from the FBI and also served as the director of the Crime Laboratory of Greenville County.

Janey Strause-McKenna ‘87Women’s Tennis (1984-87)
Inducted 1999

Janey Strause-McKenna was a three-year letter winner at Furman. She was the two-time recipient of the Southern Conference Most Valuable Player award (1986 & ’87) and a three-time team MVP. She was a three-time Southern Conference champion at number 1 singles (1985, ’86 & ’87) and also captured a league championship at number 1 doubles in 1987. She helped Furman claim Southern Conference titles in 1986 & ’87, with the ’86 title marking the first conference crown ever by a Furman women’s team. She has held Furman single-season record for singles victories (25) and tied for career mark in singles wins (69). She also ranked second in single-season winning percentage (.920) and career singles winning percentage (.802). Her combined singles and doubles winning percentage of .738 ranked first all-time at Furman. She served as Assistant Tennis Coach at the University of Wisconsin in 1991-92 and was the Head Coach at Georgia Tech from 1993-94.

David V. Strawn ‘71Men’s Golf (1968-71)
Inducted 1984

David Strawn was a top golfer and a four-year letterman. He was a Conference Medalist as a sophomore and was the first runner-up in U.S. Amateur Championships. Off the course, he was an outstanding student and leader while at Furman.

Heyward M. Sullivan ‘59Men’s Golf (1956-59)
Inducted 1983

Heyward Sullivan is considered the first of a long line of outstanding golfers at Furman. He played number one and was Conference Individual Champion. He led his team to the State Collegiate Championship in 1958.

Jack Summers ‘47Football (1941, ’42, ’46)
Inducted 2003

Playing both offensive guard and tackle, Jack Summers was a three-year letterman. He was a first team All-South Carolina selection and honorable mention All-Southern Conference/All-America in 1942 before having career interrupted by WWII. He served in the Army Air Corps before returning to Furman for 1946 season. The 1942 Furman team went 3-6 against a rugged schedule that included a 6-0 win over South Carolina. His team lost to Virginia Tech (7-6), Wake Forest (14-6) and Clemson (12-7) and also lost to Georgia, Tennessee, and Miami. The 1946 team played Alabama, Auburn, South Carolina, Georgia, Clemson and Georgia Tech, among others, when the Southern Conference included many present members of the SEC and ACC.

Kota Chalfant Suttle ‘93Football (1989-92)
Inducted 2003

As a linebacker, Kota Suttle was a four-year letterman and starter. He was an American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and Sports Network first team All-America (1992) and an Associated Press second team All-America (1992). He was two-time selection to the first team All-Southern Conference (1990 & ’91). Suttle was named Furman Freshman of the Year in 1989 after totaling 134 tackles and helping pace Paladins to a 12-2 record, conference title and NCAA I-AA semifinal playoff appearance. He tallied 65 tackles—despite injuries—on the 1990 Furman squad that went 9-4, won the league championship, and advanced to the NCAA I-AA quarterfinal playoff round. He led Furman in tackles in 1991 (144) and 1992 (151) and served as team co-captain for the 1992 campaign. The team’s four-year record during tenure was 34-15. Suttle has ranked as Furman all-time leading tackler with 489. He accorded Furman’s Defensive MVP and Iron Horse Awards in 1992.

Russell Sutton ‘54Football and Baseball (1950-54)
Inducted 1990

Russ Sutton earned All-Southern Conference honors in football. He led the team in rushing his freshman year and was an All-State and second team All-Southern Conference selection as a sophomore. He was an Honorable Mention All-American and set the record for longest run from a scrimmage (93 yards). He was also an excellent baseball player. After graduation, Sutton signed with the Cleveland Indians and also had an offer to play football with the Los Angeles Rams.

Roger N. Thompson ‘52Honorary Inductee
Inducted 2006

Roger Thompson was a three-year basketball letterman. He served as team captain and averaged 3.9 ppg as a senior on Furman squad that posted 21-6 record—the first 2-game winning campaign in Furman history. His squad went from 3-20 the year before to 18-6 for most improved team in the country and beat Duke once (73-72) and South Carolina on two occasions (73-64 and 59-56), among many others. He has spearheaded fundraising efforts since graduation that have generated over $600,000 in support of Furman’s basketball program.

William R. Timmons & Connie TimmonsHonorary Inductees
Inducted 2005

William R. Timmons, Jr., Trustee Emeritus of Furman University and Greenville native attended both the University of South Carolina and Furman. His college years were interrupted by service as a B-24 pilot in World War II. Beginning in 1948, he was for many years Vice President and Secretary of Canal Insurance Company, a family-owned national property and casualty insurance company. He also served as chairman of the Board of Canal, president of Central Reality Corporation, and was a founding director and chairman of the Board of the South Financial Group/Carolina First Bank. His extensive community service includes stints as a president of the Sertoma Club, vice president of the Chamber of Commerce, and board member of the United Fund and other charities. He served Greenville’s First Baptist as deacon, chair of the Fundraising Committee for the new sanctuary, and chair of the Finance Committee. He served six terms on the Furman Board of Trustees, including stints as Vice-Chair and Chair of the Board. He’s also been a member of Furman’s Advisory Council and was active in several major capital campaigns. He’s a recipient of the Bell Tower Award, Alumni Service Award, and was awarded a Doctor of Laws degree from Furman. With his late wife, Connie, he was a dedicated supporter and fan of Furman’s athletic programs his entire adult life, having attended basketball games and Southern Conference Tournaments beginning with the Lyles Alley-era in the late 1940s, and also witnessing Frank Selvy’s NCAA record 100-point game on Feb. 13, 1954. Connie was the driving force and host of the ultra-popular Players’ Breakfast after Betsy King and Beth Daniel created the Furman Pro-Am. In addition, the Timmonses have been most generous in meeting athletic scholarship needs. In 1988, the lead gift of $4 million for Timmons Arena, the school’s on-campus basketball facility, was provided by Bill Timmons, Jean Timmons Pelham ’42 and Charlie and Kitty Wells ’48 Timmons, children of William R. Timmons ’14.

Leslie M. Timms, Sr.Inducted 1981

Carl Tremble ‘93Football (1989-92)
Inducted 1997

As a tailback, Carl Tremble was a four-year letterman and four-year starter. He earned 1990, ’91 & ’92 All-Southern Conference first team honors. He earned 1991-92 All-South Carolina honors and was selected to the 1992 Associated Press All-America third team. He was the recipient of the 1993 Furman Male Athlete of the Year. He served as a team captain his senior year. As a starter, Tremble helped Furman post a 28-12 record, claim two Southern Conference championships (1989-90), and earn two NCAA I-AA playoff appearances. He was part of a senior class that posted a four-year record of 34-15. Tremble has held outright or shared 18 school records. He rushed for a Furman freshman record 987 yards in 1989. He paced the Southern Conference and ranked third nationally in rushing in 1992, totaling 1,555 yards, and 13 touchdowns. Tremble finished his career as Furman’s and the Southern Conference’s all-time leading rusher, and the ninth leading rusher in NCAA I-AA history with 4,746 yards and 50 touchdowns. He averaged 112.8 yards and 6.1 yards per rush as a starter and rushed for 100 yards in a school record 25 games. He ran a career-high 39 times for another career-high 228 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-7 win over Tennessee-Chattanooga in 1992. Tremble has also ranked as Furman’s all-time leading scorer with 300 points. He earned a B.A. in sociology.

Emily Maureen Turgeon ‘04 Women’s Soccer (2000-03)Inducted 2009

As a forward, Emily Turgeon is the most prolific scorer in the history of Furman women’s soccer. She nettled a school record 57 career goals and tallied a Paladin record 148 career total points. At the time of her induction, she ranked second on school’s all-time assist ledger with 34 and first with 20 career match-winning goals. Her career goals and points totals ranked second in Southern Conference history, while her assist total ranked fifth. She was named a third team College Soccer Online All-American, Soccer America All-Freshman, and first team Soccer Buzz Freshman All-American after netting a school record 23 goals, adding 17 assists (2nd in school history), and totaling single-season record and NCAA leading 63 points in 2000. She was the 2000 SoCon Freshman of the Year and a 2000 and 2002 Southern Conference Player of the Year selection. Turgeon was named the Furman Edna Hartness Female Athlete of the Year in 2000-01 and 2002-03, thus becoming one of only three people to earn the honor twice. She was a three-time NSCAA All-Southeast and Soccer Buzz All-Southeast selection, earning second team honors in 2000 and 2002 while garnering third team accolades in 2003. She was a two-time Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll member. Turgeon garnered four SoCon Player-of-the-Week citations and guided Furman to four straight Southern Conference regular season titles and 2002 SoCon Tournament title. She helped Furman equal a school record with 20 wins in a 20-3-0 season as a freshman while the Paladins earned the program’s only at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament and climbed as high as 13th in the Soccer Buzz and American Soccer Writers’ polls. The Paladins compiled a 64-21-4 overall record and 37-2-1 SoCon record during her four-year career, including three undefeated league seasons. She helped lead Furman to victories over Vanderbilt, North Carolina State, South Carolina, New Mexico, and Michigan State. She also scored Furman’s lone goal in the Paladins’ 1-0 victory over the then 25th-ranked Michigan State in 2002.

Melissa Turner ‘02Women’s Soccer (1998-2001)Inducted 2015

Turner, a four-time All-Southern Conference selection and three-time first team all-league pick (1999-01), ranks third in SoCon history and second on Paladin career charts with 50 goals and 134 career points. She also totaled the fifth most assists (34) in league history and ranks third on Furman single season ledger with 18 goals and 49 points. Turner helped Furman to a 66-21-1 overall record, including 33-3-0 SoCon regular season mark, in four seasons. She led the Paladins to three SoCon regular season titles (1999-01), one SoCon Tournament title ('99), and two NCAA Tournament appearances (1999 & '01). She also helped Furman post back-to-back 20-3-0 overall records and 9-0-0 SoCon marks in 1999 & 2000 while securing the school's only NCAA Tournament at-large bid in 2000. She was a NSCAA All-Southeast Region second team pick in 1999 and '00, earned third team pick in 2001, was named Soccer Buzz All-Southwest three times, and was the SoCon Player of the Week three times as well.

Sherri Turner ‘79
Women’s Golf (1975-79)
Inducted 1989

Sherri Turner was a member of Furman’s Championship golf programs during her four years. She was a member of the 1976 National Championship Team, Lady Paladin, Lady Buckeye, and Women’s Southern Intercollegiate champion. She was an All-American selection in 1979. After graduation, she continued to be supportive of Furman golf and has participated in many Furman LPGA Pro-Am tournaments.

Chuck Vincent '98Men's Basketball (1995-98)
Inducted 2017

Chuck Vincent was a four-year letterman and four-year starter at forward for the Paladins and was also a two-time Team MVP. In 1995, he was named the Southern Conference Freshman of the Year. A three-time All-SoCon selection, Vincent was also named to the SoCon All-Tournament team in 1997. As a senior, he served as team captain and was named the 1998 SoCon Player of the Year. Vincent paced Furman in scoring during his final three seasons and in rebounding all four years. He is one of only four players in Furman history to accomplish the feat. He ranks tenth on Furman’s all-time scoring chart (1,677 points, 15.2 ppg) and fourth in rebounding (947 rebounds/8.6 rpg). He led Furman in field goal percentage over three seasons and ranks sixth in career field goal percentage (54.0%).

Playing both offensive guard and linebacker, Forrest Wakefield was a four-year letterman in football and basketball. He was a member of Furman football teams that posted a 27-7-2 overall record and a 5-2-1 mark against Clemson and South Carolina during his four-year tenure. After his graduation in 1936, he was a dedicated supporter and booster of Furman University’s athletics program, serving as president of the Paladin Club Letterman’s Association three times and as a member of the Paladin Club Board of Directors for over 50 years. He witnessed over 700 Furman football games during his lifetime.

Eric Walter ‘91Football (1988-91)
Inducted 2002

As an offensive guard, Eric Walter was a four-year letterman and a three-year starter. He was a two-time All-Southern Conference first team selection (1990 & ’91), as well as a first team Kodak All-American and second team Associated Press All-American (1991). He served as co-captain of 1991 squad and was a two-time GTE Academic All-American (1990 & ’91). He was a NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship recipient, as well. Walter served as a part-time starter on Furman’s 1998 Southern Conference championship and NCAA I-AA national championship team that posted a school best 13-2 record. He started on Furman’s 1989 & ’90 conference championship squads, and in three full seasons as a starter helped Paladins register a 28-10 record. Furman’s four-year record during his career was 41-12. He was named Furman’s Most Valuable Freshman in 1988, was a two-time recipient of Furman’s Best Blocker Award (1990 & ’91), and was named team’s Best Offensive Lineman in 1991. He has held Furman’s single season and highest career blocking grades.

Lucius Weeks ’54Honorary Inductee
Inducted 2002

Lucius Weeks was named to Outstanding Young Men of America in 1963 and was the senior officer of South Carolina National Bank (1956-73). He was then president and chief executive officer of Landmark First National Bank in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, from 1973-1985. He is also the founding director of Junior Achievement in Greenwood, S.C., and served as president of the Community Chest in Greenwood, S.C., and of the Young Bankers of South Carolina. In addition, he was president of the Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and president of the American Heart Association in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.. He was on the State board of directors for the Florida American Heart Association (1984-85), as well as the board of directors for Friends of the Ocean in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. (1984-85). He is a member of Furman University Advisory Council (lifetime member) and The University’s Founder’s Circle. He was the recipient of the 2002 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Bill Wells is considered to be one of the best-liked men ever to attend Furman by his peers. He was a four-year letterman in football and basketball, earning All-State honors as an end his senior year.

Thomas Arthur Wham ‘49Football (1945-48)
Inducted 1982

Serving as football co-captain in 1948, Thomas Wham was an All-State and All-Southern Honorable mention. He played with the Chicago Cardinals of NFL (1949-52). He captained the Cardinals in 1952 and was named to American Conference all-star squad at defensive end.

Howard WheelerHonorary Inductee
Inducted 1997

Howard Wheeler was a nationally recognized swimming coach who directed Furman University’s men’s and women’s swimming teams from 1979 until 1987. He earned 1986 NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year honors, directing Furman’s women to a school-best fifth place finish at the national championships—the Lady Paladins’ fifth consecutive national top-10 performance. Wheeler directed Furman swimming’s move into the NCAA Division I ranks the following year, helping the Lady Paladins to a 20th place national finish. In eight seasons, he posted a combined men’s and women’s coaching records of 130-71 (.646 winning percentage). He coached over 40 All-American swimmers at Furman, including nine-time All-American and future Olympic gold medalist Angel Myers Martino. Wheeler succumbed to a brain tumor on November 16, 1987, at the age of 36.

Todd White ‘90Men’s Golf (1987-90)
Inducted 2003

Todd White was a four-time All-Southern Conference selection and team MVP. He was an honorable mention All-America selection in 1989. He won four individual tournament championships during his career, including 1988 Wofford Invitational and ’88 Southern Conference Championship, as well as the 1989 and ’90 Furman Intercollegiate. He was a member of the 1988 Southern Conference championship team and participated in the 1989 NCAA Tournament and NCAA East-West Team Matches. He was an honorable mention All-American selection in 1989 and ranked third on Furman’s career stroke average chart with a 73.85 mark. He won the 1990 South Carolina Amateur and 1991 state amateur match-play championship. White was a 1995 United States Open participant.

C. David Whitehurst ‘76Football (1972-75)
Inducted 1984

David Whitehurst was a four-year letterman at quarterback for the Paladins. He ranked in the top 3 in career offense, passing, and touchdown passes for Furman. After graduation, he joined the National Football League as a member of the Green Bay Packers, who drafted him after his Furman career.

Robert Perry Wilder ‘31Football and Baseball (1927-31)
Inducted 1982

Robert Wilder was a football and baseball starter at Furman and was an Honorable mention All-American in football. He became the freshman football coach at Furman in 1932. He later became an outstanding high school coach at Clinton High, where teams won two state championships and 75 percent of their games under his leadership. He coached the South Carolina Shrine Bowl team in 1945. He is the former president of the South Carolina High School League and a founder of South Carolina Football Association. Wilder was a civic leader in Clinton, where he received Citizen of Year award from Lions Club.

Brent M. Williams ‘91Baseball (1988-91)
Inducted 2000

As a catcher, Brent Williams was a four-year letterman and a four-year starter. He was a two-time All-Southern Conference first team selection (1989 & ’91) and the 1991 Southern Conference Tournament MVP. Williams almost single-handedly lifted the fifth-seeded Furman into the 1991 Southern Conference Tournament championship and into the NCAA Tournament—the baseball program’s first post-season appearance since 1976. He batted .550 (11x20) and collected three home runs, three doubles, and a tournament record 15 RBI while scoring runs in pacing Furman to a tournament title. He fashioned an incredible final day to the tournament by hitting a game winning home run in the 10th inning to beat Appalachian State 7-6. Later that day, he belted a three-run home run in the bottom of the ninth to cap a five-run Furman rally to defeat top-seeded Western Carolina, 11-9. Williams paced Furman in hitting in 1991, batting .361 with a school season record 17 home runs, a school best 60 RBI, and another Paladin record .732 slugging percentage. He has held Furman’s career home runs record (35) and ranked second in RBI (123) and third in slugging percentage (.594). He was seventh on Furman’s career hits list (154) and fourth in doubles (32). The baseball team played significant roles in Furman winning the 1990-91 Southern Conference Commissioner’s Cup—the only time the school has reaped the honor. He was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1991.

Joe Williams directed Furman to a 142-87 record (.620 winning percentage) during his tenure as head men’s basketball coach. He directed Furman to its first Southern Conference basketball championship in 1971, when the Paladins captured the league tournament championship. In all he coached Furman to five Southern Conference Tournament championships (1971, ’73, ’74, ’75, and ’78) and three league regular season titles (1974, ’75 and ’77). Williams led Furman to its first ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament (1971) and to the school’s first and only win in NCAA Tournament play (1974, 75-67 win over South Carolina). He became the first Furman basketball coach to earn Southern Conference Coach of the Year honors when he was tabbed in 1973. He recruited and signed some of the greatest players to ever play for Furman, including Clyde Mayes and Jonathan Moore.

W. Louis Williams ‘48Basketball (1944-1948)
Inducted 1983

Lou Williams was a Block “F” winner in basketball. He spent a lifetime of service to community and university. Williams was ever true and loyal to all phases of Furman athletics and was a past President of Paladin Club.

John Wofford was an outstanding all-around athlete. He was a four-sport letterman in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He earned All-State honors in Football (1939) and All-State honors Basketball (1939). He was a three-year starter for football and started every game for four years except two. He led the basketball team in scoring, also starting every game for four years except two. He started every baseball game for four years. As a track Letterman, Wofford participated in the discus, javelin, high hurdles. He was also a distinguished community leader.

Daniel D. Wood ‘33Football (1929-1932)
Inducted 1983

Daniel Wood garnered top honors for his football heroics during his senior year. He was selected as All-South Atlantic and All-State (1932), and his performance in the North-South All-Star game (1932) rated him one of the best ends in U.S. by Associated Press.

Richard M. “Dick” Wright ‘59Men’s Basketball (1955-59)
Inducted 1994

Dick Wright was the scoring leader in 1956 and ’57 seasons with 20.2 points per game. He ranked fifth on the all-time career scoring list with 1,778 points and an average of 16.6 points per game. He was on the All-Southern Conference team his sophomore year. In 1959 he was the Palmetto State Basketball Player or the Year and earned All-State honors. He received the most votes for All-State honors in 1959.

Amy Jakubowski Wukitch ‘95Softball (1992-95)
Inducted 2005

As a pitcher, Amy Wukitch was a four-year letter winner. She was the 1995 team MVP and the 1994-95 Furman Edna Hartness Female Athlete of the Year. She was the 1995 Southern Conference Pitcher of the Year and earned All-South Region honors in 1993, 1994, and 1995. She earned All-Southern Conference honors in 1994 and 1995. She was an All-SoCon Tournament selection in 1994 and 1995, as well. In addition, she was a Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll selection in 1994 and 1995. She ranked second in Furman softball history for wins (68), strikeouts (502), shutouts (28) and complete games (99) and ranked third in career ERA (1.61). She was also an outstanding hitter, ranking third in doubles (33), fifth in career batting average (.323), and once holding the school record for hits in a game (5). She also set the Furman standard for a season ERA with a 0.71 mark in 1993. Wukitch helped lead Furman to a 1994 SoCon regular season (33-23) and Tournament championships and 1995 regular season title.

Sam Wyche ‘66Football (1962-65)
Inducted 1983

Sam Wyche was an active student leader and played quarterback for Paladins. After graduation, he became a successful player and coach in the National Football League. He has also been a loyal supporter of Furman athletics.

Yakin was a rare four-year letterman in three sports. He played halfback in football, rushing 163 times for 924 yards and five touchdowns in his career. He also played defense. Yakin was a member of the 1952 Furman team that posted a 6-3-1 record and defeated West Virginia (22-14) and Florida State (9-0). The 1953 squad went 7-2 and recorded victories over Florida State (14-7) and Wake Forest (21-19). In 1954, Yakin helped Furman to a 5-5 campaign that featured a 7-6 victory over NC State. He also played first base in baseball, helping Furman post wins over Clemson, South Carolina, Duke, among others. He set the Furman record for most triples in a game (3) in a 13-9 victory over Clemson on May 12, 1954. Yakin was elected to the 1954 All-State Baseball team, batting .376 (the second highest on the state team). In addition, he competed in several events in track & field, including the 100 and 200 yards and broad jump. Yakin later coached football and baseball at Carolina and Hillcrest High Schools. He also worked with the Palmetto Games.